Political Punch

A republican defends obama's Rev

i wish some folks would just shut up he can lead the nation hes the realist politician ive sseen in a while and guess what rev wright was right about race i dont see america apologizing to him or my parents now if caucasions were done the same way there would be a lot of talk and folk would still be mad so dont get loud stating that his pastors remarks was offensive, they were not he told the truth im sure hillary didnt have a problem going to the white only bubbler did she did she stand up for black people then oh no she will never get my vote an mccain can kick rocks too too all others who were there when blacks were being mistreated where were you when it wa ll going on and did youprotest it no you didnt

Divided that's what keeps our country in this economic downturn. We need to wake up and tackle the issues and stop letting anyone get us off course. The decisions we make not ony affect our current situation but our children's futures and many generations to come. That's a lot more important than reliving statements by politicians. If we don't wake up and stop the back and forth and stick with a discussion of the issues our children and many generations to come will pay the price for our actions. We cannot afford to be selfish people are loosing their homes, gas is sky high, no health care, higher education, families are having a tough time. What's more important? If we make the wrong decision we can't take it back and we have only ourselves to blame.

Eric:

you have the realized that America is in a war that should have never taken place anyway and that America lied on Nelson Mandela HELL its true do your research. Rev. Wright spoke the truth.

For those of you who can't seem to put the sound bites of Rev. Wrights sermon into perspective, think about this, A more complete version of Wright's 9/11 remarks have surfaced. I found a copy on digg. It seems the controversial remarks, including the now infamous 'The chickens have come home to roost' were quoted from former Ambassador to Iraq Edward Peck, as Wright warns against the payback mentality of Psalm 137. Hillary's camp put this out there to be used against Obama and hurt his chances of becoming president, but look what God can do. He turned it all around for good. As a result, we've heard this wonderful and inspiring speech from Obama that has led us to REAl conversations about race that can only help our nation. It has also led governor Richardson to endorse Obama. He said he was moved by the speech to do so. AS an avid church goer, I can tell you that the words of Wright are not the worst thing you will hear from a pastor. I know a pastor who told his own congregation that he would pray and ask God not to bless them. He was angry because many of them had not contributed to a fundraiser benefiting him and he did not care that these particular people could not afford it.

When does the Obama/Wright bashing stop?
The two snipets that have been aired in continuim have points that seemingly have been missed. The HIV controversy/conspiracy theory (did someone forget about the Tuskeegee experiment; black men deliberately given syphllis, the power structure in america (white men). Oh yeah I guess the truth doesn't count, so lets get on this unamerican, racist kick.

Silly! I am so afraid for this country right now! I was an avowed Hilary Clinton supporter! I was. But her will to win at any cost is scary. Reading about her secrets scare me! She is being sued for hiding campaign donations. No news! Why? A man that she called a "Jew Bastard" passed a lie detector test. I gave the Clinton's credit for NAFTA, and Bill merely signed the bill. Hilary won't release her tax returns? Why? I am afraid of her! Very afraid. She tells us that she and J. McCain are ready to be president, excluding the only other democratic rival? Simply dirty and highly unethical! I was voting for Hilary because I really wanted Bill! Now I want no part of her or him! Google people! The truth is out there. Let's get back to real issues. O'Bama is no racist. He is also no African American. He is not a descendant of Slaves! He is Both White and Black! He more than likely looks at our mutual anger as Bizzare! A mixture of both, he realizes that his existance proves that skin color is only melanin and that he feels no less human for the combination. He is the middle, hoping to bring the two together. Those who are White and see only his Blackness are blind. Those who are Black and see only his Blackness are blind. Those Black and White who do not see his wisdom are Blind. Wake up America and see us. We need to take back control of our country. Go back to we the people. What better person, than a brilliant man who is a combination of us all! For America's sake! Turn the page!

I like Huckabee, I am an Obama supporter, I think Huckabee and Obama both listened to the words of Jesus more closely than a lot of the people criticizing them. Judge not, lest ye be judged.

For those of you who can't seem to put the sound bites of Rev. Wrights sermon into perspective, think about this, A more complete version of Wright's 9/11 remarks have surfaced. I found a copy on digg. It seems the controversial remarks, including the now infamous 'The chickens have come home to roost' were quoted from former Ambassador to Iraq Edward Peck, as Wright warns against the payback mentality of Psalm 137. Hillary's camp put this out there to be used against Obama and hurt his chances of becoming president, but look what God can do. He turned it all around for good. As a result, we've heard this wonderful and inspiring speech from Obama that has led us to REAl conversations about race that can only help our nation. It has also led governor Richardson to endorse Obama. He said he was moved by the speech to do so. AS an avid church goer, I can tell you that the words of Wright are not the worst thing you will hear from a pastor. I know a pastor who told his own congregation that he would pray and ask God not to bless them. He was angry because many of them had not contributed to a fundraiser benefiting him and he did not care that these particular people could not afford it.

For those of you who can't seem to put the sound bites of Rev. Wrights sermon into perspective, think about this, A more complete version of Wright's 9/11 remarks have surfaced. I found a copy on digg. It seems the controversial remarks, including the now infamous 'The chickens have come home to roost' were quoted from former Ambassador to Iraq Edward Peck, as Wright warns against the payback mentality of Psalm 137. Hillary's camp put this out there to be used against Obama and hurt his chances of becoming president, but look what God can do. He turned it all around for good. As a result, we've heard this wonderful and inspiring speech from Obama that has led us to REAl conversations about race that can only help our nation. It has also led governor Richardson to endorse Obama. He said he was moved by the speech to do so. AS an avid church goer, I can tell you that the words of Wright are not the worst thing you will hear from a pastor. I know a pastor who told his own congregation that he would pray and ask God not to bless them. He was angry because many of them had not contributed to a fundraiser benefiting him and he did not care that these particular people could not afford it.

I'm so sick of Barack Obama, his finger-pointing and screaming racism and the like. I don't care if Obama is black, white, yellow or purple-green, I think he'd be a very ineffective president and all these glorious promises he's making to get elected will fall to dust if he is elected; just like all the rest of them.

The pastor thing is just the tip of the racist iceberg that is obama, just wait until the next big story is what he said today about "typical white people comments" that are racist...sorry obama but not everyone is as racist

This entire controversy surrounding Reverend Wright only makes me like Senator Obama even more. Certainly, some of the Reverend's words are despicable, but how many of us haven't said awful things we later regret, and how many of us haven't heard loved ones do the same and loved them anyway?

I disagree with Huck on many issues, and don’t think he’d make a good Prez but I like him, and he seems like a nice guy, who’s likable and liberal on governance, if Right-Wing on religion.

Something like this only reaffirms why I like him.

A more complete version of Wright's 9/11 remarks have surfaced. I found a copy on digg. It seems the controversial remarks, including the now infamous 'The chickens have come home to roost' were quoted from former Ambassador to Iraq Edward Peck, as Wright warns against the payback mentality of Psalm 137. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is furtively calling superdelegates using these remarks as proof that Obama is unelectable.
I'm not a churchgoer, and as a stuffy old white guy, I'm a little self-conscious about 'testifying', but after listening to these remarks in full, I can say I'm proud to have Jeremiah Wright among us.
In the coming months, hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent through 527's in an attempt to manipulate public opinion like we've seen here in order to protect the economic interests of the people who pay for them. Judging from some of the remarks on this blog, that will be money well spent.
If you want some controversy, how about this? "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just." -Thomas Jefferson

Glad you all do listen to Rush. He won't explode-he'll simply say that Huckabee is trying for the vp nomination for the dems. I'm REpublican - will not vote for a DEmocrat, or an American hater. I want somebody with experience, somebody levelheaded, someone who cares about our country, not their political career. Support your troops, vote Republican!

I'm a democrat and for Obama but I like Mike Huckabee too. I had hoped that he would win the nomination on the Republican side. Since he didn't, I would love it if Obama would choose Huckabee for his for his running mate.I would not vote for Hillary Clinton under any circumstances. Obama did say he wanted an administration inclusive of all parties and I agree. I think government works best when its not dominated by one party, but has a balance.

When Obama takes office I know most Republicans will not be upset. Obama's an intelligent, once in a life time leader -he will listen to all parties.

Some people would not accept a defense of Obama from Christ himself. I swear, if had to turn my back on anyone who ever uttered a racist remark or stereotype...I dont know where I could go. Those folks who have decided that they cannot accept his explaination of where he finds himself in the ongoing stalemate of race relations in this country needed an excuse to voice their innability to accept him in the first place.
How difficult and confusing it must be to grow up and live between two cultures that both have elements of hate within them towards the other. But at the same time, there is no one with better credentials for understanding the plight of both and providing both with an understanding that no one else could. I have immense respect for the principled man that Barack Obama is and I hope and pray that the small minds of America do not destroy his and America's future.

I never realized how many people suffered from having a god complex. It's not right to judge. I guess no one here ever uttered a stereotype in their life or have been the victim of discrimination. People's experiences form their thoughts and actions and you can't be angry with someone for who they are or what they believe. We all live in glass houses!!!!!

Huckabee never once defended Wright's comments or Obama's actions in sitting in the pews for 20 yrs. hearing this preaching. He did show honest compassion for the uncomfortable situation and past discrimination, but he DID NOT defend the comments! Huckabee is truly a compassionate conservative and Republicans have missed the opportunity of a lifetime by not choosing him as the nominee!!!

I'm a democrat and for Obama but I like Mike Huckabee too. I had hoped that he would win the nomination on the Republican side. Since he didn't, I would love it if Obama would choose Huckabee for his for his running mate.I would not vote for Hillary Clinton under any circumstances. Obama did say he wanted an administration inclusive of all parties and I agree. I think government works best when its not dominated by one party, but has a balance.

"I attended that church for 20 years, and I did not inhale"

Just how dumb does Obama think we are? Why did Obama give $22,000 to a church that preaches a message like what Wright preaches? Why did Obama have Wright come and dedicate his new mansion? Why did Obama have a private prayer session with Wright right before announcining his candidacy? And if Obama never heard these sermons, then why did Obama have peripheral quotes from one of the race baiting sermons in his latest book? Quotes that he says he heard first hand?

The gullibility of some people is amazing.

Obama is either dishonest, lacks judgment or both. Either way he is not fit to become President.

The Super Dream Ticket: Obama/Huckabee-2008

Mike Huckabee has a way of raising the dialogue, of creating hope, and kindness, and rational discussion.

I could see his influence in a lot of these posts. Many of you are thoughtful, honest, and reacting in an open minded way. The hateful, slanderous, political mudslinging responses are a total turn off, and unfortunately, it is this kind of thinking that keeps racism and division alive in our country.

Many Americans during the Civil War were aware of God's judgment on us for slavery, and they spoke openly about it. Abraham Lincoln did. Maybe it could still be true. Maybe killing babies (abortion), and oppressing black people, and spewing pornography all over the world, do have the effect of removing God's blessing from our homeland. Maybe Jerry Falwell and Rev. Wright have a common understanding. I was intrigued by the similarity of their takes on 9/11. Either way, I pray that God will bless America, that she will find her way again.
Personally, I find Mike Huckabee a blessing, and I am hoping he stays in politics, and gets to the White House.

Ok, so now Obama needs someone from the Republican Party to defend him? And an ex-pastor at that? This fiasco just gets worse and worse. Obama's 20 year assocation with a pastor who advocates blatant sexism and racism is disgraceful. Anyone who defends Obama or Wright on this matter advocates sexism and racism and shame on you for that!

Barack Obama has systematically tried to stimulate and tap into "white guilt" and "black anger" to elevate his flawed and unethical presidential candidacy. How dare anyone suggest this man is a unifier? His politics are hostile to minority groups and he has done NOTHING (beyond pandering to score votes) to TRULY advance the causes of women, children, African-Americans, Latinos, American-Indians or gay/lesbian people.

Barack Obama should do what is honorable - if he understands the concept - and drop out of this presidential race ASAP. Then Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party can get on with taking on the GOP and ensuring Democrats re-take political power in November. Obama's ongoing presence in this presidential nomination race is desctructive to the Democratic party and will do nothing but cause further division amongst the party and its supporters.

Obama, please stand down, now.

I challenge all who haven't listened to the context of Dr. Wright's statement to hold out judgment until you have heard the statement in their entirety. If you don't you're no better than the standard you're holding Senator Obama to. Listen for yourself and draw your own conclusions. Think for yourself don't take the media as honest and balanced.

Read this Jack Tapper:

MSNBC HOST JOE SCARBOROUGH: But, but you never came close to saying five days after September 11 that America deserved what it got -- or that the American government invented AIDS...
HUCKABEE: Not defending his statements.
SCARBOROUGH: Oh, I know you're not. I know you're not. I'm just wondering though: For a lot of people ... would you not guess that there are a lot of independent voters in Arkansas that vote for Democrats sometimes, and vote for Republicans sometimes, that are sitting here wondering how Barack Obama's spiritual mentor would call the United States the US-KKK?
HUCKABEE: I mean, those were outrageous statements, and nobody can defend the content of them.

And don't title your article saying that Huckabee defends what Wright said. That's libel.

Mike. These guys, Scarborough, Tucker - they're not your people. Joe could barely contain himself this morning announcing the new poll results with "The chickens are coming home to roost". He's enjoying himself immensely taking Obama down.
This whole Republican/Evangelical alliance came about because the Republicans were willing to pay lip service to the abortion issue. But how many have died just since you've started reading this? That should be a clue that this problem cannot be attacked directly. And it is not going to be solved with the anti-family economic policies of the Republicans. Right now we're faced with a choice between an honorable man - a hero, who doesn't know a whole lot about economics and is likely to be manipulated by anti-family corporate interests. On the other side, we have a couple who introduced a new level of ugliness into American politics in 1992 that ultimately spawned Newt Gingrich and eight tragic years of George Bush. Mike, your country needs you. Let the kids run the hot dog stand for a while and get out there.

Show me a time when America has EVER nationally repented, apologized, or made recompense for the spiritual, economical, pyschological, or emotional genocide on African Americans? when?! I mean c'mon it's just been since 1964 since the Civil Rights Act! Only 44 years! Man, I'm all for dropping it, but you don't get over 400+ years of oppression in 40 years...geez! Why don't people get it? This is not a soapbox or get-over tactic that African-Americans use, it's REAL. This is what happened and we're dealing with it the best way we can and shoving it up under the rug and telling us to get over it is like tearing the scab off the wound and pouring salt all over it.

This misacknowledgment or telling us to get over after 40 years is becoming like Germany trying to hide the fact that the holocaust happened. It's such an insult. Rev. Wright was wrong for what he said. Dead wrong. But he's also right. In other words, don't listen to what he said, hear the pain...America never really has.

The bottom line is not whether we are responsible for what someone else says, We can never be entirely responsible for peoples actions as in the case of reverend Wright. I think it's more of an issue of Obaba's own addmission that he has actually sat in and heard some of those sermons over the 20yrs and has supported his ministry finacially throughout the 20 years! If this doesn't support someones views, I don't know what does! It's hard to imagine that someone you call your spiritual advisor for 20yrs is not going to make an impression on you and impose some of his his views on you! The bible says bad company corrupt good character!There is just to much dishonesty in the part of Obama! First he said he was not there when Wright gave a particular speech one year ago, until a magazine reported he was indeed there, so he had to admitt he was actually there and has listened to many hate messages throughout the 20yrs! He actually lied first! Oprah was wise enough to distance herself from Wright, and received a lot of slack for it too, from the church and Rev Wright. Obama supports reverend Wrights views because if he didn't, he would have been man enought to say something to him a year ago, or found another church in Chicago to attend, and I'm sure there are many good churches in Chicago to choose from! We also do know his wife had been influenced by Wright, becuase only until now has she been proud to be an American! Obama really had to reach down, with his advisors, and come up with a really good speech! That's what he does well! TALK! Charm! Motivate! He should have been more sincere and looked right into the televisoin instead of the teleprompters though, becuase he could have been way more believable! Many said, "He spoke of race elequently like no one ever has!" It's becuase he had no choice but too, the presidency was on the line! I'm also a pastor in Phoenix, AZ and I as well as other African American pastors from Mega churches across would never think of saying something so outrageous, or never think about using profanity to get my point across. We would not blame if people chose to leave and attend another church after that! I would have not be suprised! Rather appologetic~ Foul language completely goes against everyhting the Bible teaches us about self control! Rev Wright is teaching his congregation to speak your mind and if need be use profanity! The bible strictly teaches against segregation and makes it a point that Israel is the apple of God's eye! It seems like Rev Wright is impossing many views that don't line up with the bible, and maybe just maybe Wright has been influenced by his own hate! Associating with Louis Farrakan gives some insight into that! The bible says pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Not hate Israel and its supporters, the USA! God gave pstors and leaders to eddify the body of Christ and not tear it down! We as the leaders and teachers our held more accountable to spiritual lead the entire church and is held to a much higher standard,this is also in the bible!The book of St.Timothy explains the qualifications for being a pastor. Finally, many African American pastors with a majority of black congregations do not, will not, ever teach such hate! TD Jakes, Fredrick Price, Clefelo Dollar, Clarrence McClendden, Reverend Eddie Long, these guys we see on Christain TV are tough even with their congregations at times, and deal with cultural issues, but the point of using profanity or accusing the USA or Israel for wars in the world! Also they don't ever encourage their people to expect a hand out but rather trust God and tithe for a real overflow in your life!

It was a pleasure reading this blog. Maybe it was because Mr. Huckabee was being interviewed. But almost all comments were respectful, no matter who the commenter was supporting or what point was being made. I am an Obama supporter, but Mr. Huckabee too has great class and humanity and spirituality ( although I have to admit I believe in Darwin). Thank you for this thread.

I did not hear Rev. Wrights speech or comments on The US gov.'s "invention" of AIDS. However, I am familiar with the conspiracy theory. I can see why this concept is far fetched to most Americans; but there are well documented cases and experiments conducted by The U.S. government in which smallpox, gonorrhea, and syphilis were administered to Native and Black Americans who were allowed to die or become severely ill even though a cure existed. These are things that have been documented and can be researched (The Tuskegee Experiment, Smallpox epidemic, fact based film 'Mrs. Evers Boys'). Once again, though I have not seen or heard the actual footage, Wrights statement do hold some historical value that needs to be taken into consideration.

I'm a big Obama supporter, but I always liked Huckabee, and so do many of my Obama supporting friends. He has a good sense of humor and can really make us laugh. My biggest issue with him is that I disagree with many of his views, particularly on gays. I'm glad he defended Jeremiah Wright and it makes my opinion of Huckabee higher.

Although I definitely think Rev. Wright's statements were very wrong and inappropriate to be spoken from the pulpit, the more reports that seem to be surfacing reveal that he really is the man that Obama describes him to be, that these inflammatory statements were not the gist of what he stood for, and the TUCC is really a great church. I also understand that the firey sermons, etc. are things are often heard in African American churches, so it's not for me to judge.

I sure wish some of these people posting that "Obama spend 20 years listening to a racist" would open their minds and dig a little deeper. By not doing so, they confirm their shallowness.

Huckabee lost the primary and now he needs to ride off into the sunset . . . never to be heard from again.

There were thousands who worked like crazy all across this nation to get the word out about Mike Huckabee. He is a man of genuine integrity and character and decency, as evidenced once again by his graciousness in this interview. It's so sad that the media wouldn't give him the time of day. They were too busy following Obama around like a bunch of dogs in heat.

Lord Jesus. I knew there was a reason I liked Mike Huckabee. He actually makes sense and tells it like it is.

I hate that these good white Christians are probably going to hate him and threaten to kill him and his family.

You know they are the same people who sent death threats to the Dixie Chicks.
for saying they were ashamed of Bush.
(I wonder how many white people agree with Natalie now)

That's okay Mike you can always come over to the democratic party..

Thank you Liz,

You have helped me feel a little less depressed. As Obama indicated, the only way we are going to move forward is if we develop some compassion and understanding for the other guy's experiences. It's also sad to see gloating Hillary supporters. I'm very disappointed in you. Does Hillary want to win at any cost? Even on the back of racism?
Do you really want your slogan to be Racism, Fear, and Ignorance wins again!
Go Hillary!!!?

Barack Obama has started a conversation about race right here on this website. As painful as it is, we are moving toward progress. We all need to be more open minded on these issues though or we as a nation will remain stagnant or the anger in 'Reverand Wrights' of both races will never go away and we will have no progress.

IMO, Huck had reasons of his own for coming to the defense of Barack and his pastor. It really isn't hard to figure out why he did so. There is a pretty strong force in this country that would like to see all religion disappear for the very reason that they believe churches are responsible for starting wars and keeping hatred alive. Those that support Wright, point to the righteous right for their own form of hate which usually includes the gay community as their focus. I think there is nothing wrong with all religions but the problem is interpreting words that others have written and somehow applying it to modern times. I have news for Huck. Many would never vote for him just because he is a pastor. I would bet that number is well above 50 percent. He is NOT electable. So to diffuse that reality he has decided to inject a bit of politics just to make it seem like the republican party isn't all bad. See he got that from the speech Barack gave when he suggested that blacks are held back due to programs by white corporate America that is only concerned with making a buck. If anybody recalls, it was Barack and Michelle that recently suggested that supporters give up their corporate jobs and do community work which is not a bad idea but practically not feasible for most. But then Barack knew that but it sounded good and looks good on his resume.

Mike Huckabee,

I may not agree with some of your views, but I do believe you are a kind man, a man of conviction and moral character. I respect and admire you for it.

For the real hate-mongers out there, what time is it?

084ma TIME!!!

Please everyone take a breath and just stop and think about what is being said. The snipits of what Rev Wright said were in relation to his sermon and a point that he was attempting to make. The media (pundits)have given just enough to cause a rise in veiwership,etc. Rev. Wright never made any threats to white america he spoke about the government being responsible the same about AIDS. Why is it that we currently have 2 T.V.pundits arguing about who broke the story first (Ratings)and the entire story remains untold? Maybe this is a way in which the 2 aforementioned personalities can promote their own political wishes, and if the outcome is to further fracture race relations in this country and create the collaspe of the Democractic party "so be it".

I don't think Obama was trying to throw his granny under the bus I think he was simply trying to say he can't distance himself from his love ones because of the ignorant things that come out of their mouths,including the Rev.Come on people we all have friends and family that shame us with things they say and do.Food for thought I guess many still only see Obama's skin color because still his mother is a white woman but because his skin is dark people are still intimidated,racism at it's finest. Americans need to broaden their horizons change is always good

I just want to point out that of course Rev. Wright was never a slave, hell that ended over 100 years ago. But I know he delt with the civil rights violations, and was excluded from many of things as a young man because of his race. So he actually is speaking from experience and not just speaking out of term. sure enough some of the comments he made about America are harsh, but hell I believe the USA created HIV/AIDS too to decrease the minority population but it happen to spill over to the caucasians as well. I don't think Rev. Wright is racist, he is angry and he was probably caught up in the emotion of his sermon. Obama should not be criticized because of Rev. Wright's words. They were not Obama's, and last where was the media when Bill Clinton says :" Winning in the south is no big deal, hell Jesse Jackson won there too." Very obvious that was a jab at the race of both men. Also where was the media when Ferreo says:" Obama is only winning because he is black." Which I sort of agree with now that I think of it, because if Obama were white "The Clintons" would have already cheated and won. Because he is black everyone is watching her and her campaign with a microscope so she can't cheat, and do an injustice to America. deny us one the history most historical figures, and very intelligent man from trying to correct the problems of our "so called great leaders of America."

Setting standards today based on the 60s & earlier is for those of that era, if they can't move on.
The successful young blacks today stand on brave, broad shoulders, BUT they have been spared the injustices Mr. Huckabee refers to, and have a right to move on.
Mr. Huckabee never owned a slave & preacher Wright was never a slave, though he has made some hay from the plight of the civil rights protestors, so they are stuck in the past and will continue to waller in guilt or self-pity as it suits them----but it is time to let the youth of all races rise above this issue.

Hey, the political spinners & media make a big point that Obama dealt with a tough issue forced on him, because he was so brave.---Do they mean
MARINE BRAVE?

Respectfully;
Billy Bob, Florida

Elsie, I was only pointing out the simple fact in order to illustrate that we Republicans are not the ogres that the Far Left and the mainstream media portray us. Yes, sadly, there are bigots within our Party. But as we can clearly see, based on the Democratic Party's campaign for determining their presidental nominee, that the Democrats have bigots as well.

It does sadden me that the Republicans in 1877 chose the White House over the principle of protecting the African-American vote in the South. The Compromise of 1877 was a disaster for race relations. The Republicans promised to stay out of southern politics (which is what was protecting the African-American vote) in favor of the Democrats conceding the 1876 election to the Republicans. The Democrats promised to respect the African-American vote, but reniged on their promise. Had the Republicans not allowed the Democrats to disenfranchise African-Americans following Reconstruction, the wound of slavery might not have been as deep.

You are correct, slavery should never have been allowed to exist here in America. Our founding fathers knew it was wrong, but still allowed slavery to flourish. Even after writing the words "All men are created equal" they still refused to abolish slavery. But all that is in the past!

The Republican Party, today, doesn't do enough to encourage minorities -- especially African-Americans -- to run for elective office. We know that many African-Americans choose not to run for office as Republicans because they will face vicious reverse racism. And their families feel the full brunt of the reverse racism. Who would want that for their children? We understand this. But we cannot just accept this. By 2032, African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians will make up over 50% of the population. If our Party does not wake up and it remains the Party of the "old, white males," we will become irrelevant.

Regular readers of this blog know that I was hoping for a brokered Republican Convention so that the delegates could draft Dr. Condoleezza Rice as our nominee. Now that Sen. McCain is the nominee I hope that he will select Dr. Rice to be his running mate. We will never really break the stereotype of being a bigoted Party until are actions show that we are not.

I've heard the Bill O'Reilly's give their one-sided opinions and then speak on behalf of ALL white people in this country. But how many have heard the entire sermon? How can people base their opinions on edited clips? My husband has seen different clips than I have and we both disagree. Sure, the AIDS comments sound delusional but are you aware of how many people actually believe the government had something to do with that? In college I use to hear various races agreeing with that. I think it is idiotic but many people certainly believe the government had its hand in giving humans AIDS and putting drugs in the inner cities. After the Tuskegee experiments and Jim Crow, many people will never trust our government completely.

Also, Geraldo Rivera changed his name to Jerry Rivers in college so he wouldn't be known as a Hispanic. Now he's so hell bent to protect illegal immigrants at all costs to his own country and to say there's some kind of race war in Los Angeles between Hispanics and Blacks. This could be farther from the truth. There have been gangs in L.A. for years and the illegals are now coming in killing blacks randomly. It was just proven in a recent court case. He should be concentrating on injustice for all, pure and simple. Parents in L.A are complaining about the ESL programs and how its affecting public schools. There are many problems that aren't getting reported.

Clinton is done! The GOP is done! You losers just don't want to accept it. Stop getting your hopes up, which you shouldn't have anyway since Clinton mocks hope.

This "vetting" WILL NOT stop the "MOVEMENT". Obama is not losing his support. He is gaining because he is looking more and more presidential. His support is growing. We knew it was a matter of time before the wolves would come out to eat.

What you still don't get is this powerful phrase:

"NOT THIS TIME"!!!!!!!!!!!

Well after hearing Reverend Right's comments and how racist he is, I'm convinced that Obama has no busniess leading the nation.

Come on folks, the key is to remember the past so as to not repeat the same mistakes. But you don't want to dwell on the past! A wound will never heal if you continue to pick at it. The same is true with regards to the racial injustices of the past. That wound will never heal as long as there are those who constantly dig into the wound. The discussion is healthy, we don't want to ever make those mistakes again. But too many in our society want to force everyone to relive the past, instead of just remember the past. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream will never come to fruition until we, as a society, can look beyond the color of our skin. And that goes both ways.

I'm no fan of any of the candidates and haven't voted for a promising candidate since the media worked a number on Howard Dean, over something superficial and down right stupid. I will say this and hope you all understand where I'm coming from. I don't give a rat's bottom whom he(Obama) associates with. The people that do just use that as an excuse to try to manipulate and gain supporters for their own choices (Hilary) (Mcain) and the worst administration ever in the history of our great nation. When I look across the board at all of these candidates I see the element of leadership in only one... and that One is Obama hands down. I would rather vote republican because democrats are typically clueless and want to control everything. But I cannot and will not deny the powerful feeling that I have that this man "Obama" can lift us past so many afflictions that impact our society. DO NOT let the media decide for us. The ignorance, manipulation and intimidation of the american media machine is unparallel in the world. Mr Wright is an idiot but until I see a video of Obama making those statements himself he has my vote. Further I just don't get the feeling that Obama is easily led by anyone. He may listen to your viewpoint calmly but will challenge you on it while maintaining his own belief system... I just don't see this guy being led by the nose by anyone, his presence is just too powerful for that... anyways that's my two cents on it. Wish the republicans had a real candidate but we don't so I'm picking the best from the group.

Hello relentless critics of Rev. Wright's comments and Obama's affiliation with him, I have a question. Your outrage about this instance, what are you so outraged about? Do you truly think that Obama is running for president because of his secret hatred so that he can destroy America? I don't understand what all the anger is about. I can understand being upset at the comments being made, but, in the big picture, what does that really mean? I want to believe we are all better than that.

I am an African-American woman who is supporting Obama not because he's black but because he seems to be a man of integrity. I never voted for Jesse Jackson because I felt he was a little to one-sided in his views, although I may be wrong about him. I voted for Bush in the last two general elections; but I have to say after listening to reading Mike Huckabee's statements in this interview, I am so disappointed that he is no longer in the race of President of the United States. Huckabee and Senator Obama seem to be real men of integrity. If Obama lost the election to a man like Huckabee I would be more than O.K. with that.

Obama/Huckabee or Huckabee/Obama '08

God bless you Mr. Huckabee

Obama's speech is one of the coldest political exploitation I have ever heard: attacking his own grandmother by comparing her private fear of black men to his pastor (Wright)'s public anti-american, racism vitriol. This guy would say anything to get ahead.

You know a person by the company he/she keeps. Obama has kept this anti-American, racist for 20 years as his pastor and "inspirational mentor" (Obama's own word)

"For all the wonderful rhetoric and tantalizing promise of Obama and his speech, there’s not much that is actually new here. Obama's speech was largely a restatement of Jeremiah Wright’s indictment of America, delivered in University of Chicago parlance instead of South Side Chicago diatribe".

Obama attempted to explain Wright's anger as typical of the civil rights generation, with its "memories of humiliation and doubt and fear." But Wright's problem is exactly the opposite: He ignored the message of Martin Luther King Jr. and introduced a new generation to the politics of hatred.

Obama's speech did little to address his strange tolerance for the anti-Americanism of his spiritual mentor

The cat is out of the bag, and we are now seeing the real soul of Obama being revealed by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright who, by the way, would have likely ended up in the Obama cabinet at the White House were Obama to be elected.

Obama's pastor and mentor of 20 years, Jeremiah Wright is a man who less than a week after 9/11 gave a sermon that sadistically rejoiced how America's chickens had come home to roost. Five days earlier, Americans (of all colors, incidentally) had leapt from the World Trade Center to escape the flames. And this is the Wright context!

Liz, you wrote: "I've grown accustomed to tuning out conservative Republicans..." Actually if you tuned into Rush Limbaugh for the full three hours, every day for one week, you would discover that we conservative Republicans are NOT the ogres that most liberals portray us to be. Rush Limbaugh is actually an extremely thoughful individual. Unfortunately the Far Left and the main stream media continually twist his words. In fact, they have been twisting our words for decades.

One of the most infamous twists occurred in 1995. Newt Gingrich said the following: "What do you think the health care financing administration is? It's a centralized command bureaucracy. It's everything we're telling Boris Yeltsin to get rid of. Now we don't get rid of it in round one because we don't think that's politically smart and we don't think that's the right way to go through a transition. But we believe it's going to wither on the vine because we think people are going to voluntarily leave it. Voluntarily."

Newt Gingrich was referring to the health care financing administration withering on the vine. Yet throughout the 1996 presidential campaign, the Far Left and the mainstream media bombarded the airwaves saying that Newt Gingrich wanted MEDICARE to wither on the vine. They intentionally scared senior citizens into believing that we Republicans wanted to take Medicare and their Social Security payments away from them.

I listen carefully to the Far Left. I have listened carefully to both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama. They are Socialists. In fact, Sen. Clinton has been much more brazen and forthcoming with her intentions. She wants to do away with an ownership society and to "replace it with shared responsibility for shared prosperity." She prefers a "we're all in it together society." That is Communistic.

Now when it comes to race, the Republican Party (Conservatives in general) have been portrayed as bigots. Yet it was the Republican Party that gave African-Americans full citizenship, including the right to vote in 1866. Yes that is right! The Civil Rights Act of 1866 did give African-Americans the right to vote. In fact, African-Americans exercised that right and had control of many districts in the South during Reconstruction. An African-American, P. B. S. Pinchback, was actually the acting governor of Louisiana for 35 days (Dec 9, 1872-Jan 13, 1873). But prior to that, Hiram Revels (R-MS) was elected to the U. S. Senate (he served just one year); and several African-Americans were elected to the U. S. House of Representatives. In 1874, Blanche K. Bruce (R-MS) was elected to the U. S. Senate (and served a full 6-year term).

BUT, the Democrats began using intimidation and fear (i.e., the KKK) to keep African-Americans away from the polls. By 1890, the Democrats had taken full control of the state legislatures and began disenfranchising African-American voters with literacy tests and poll taxes. That is pretty much the way it remained until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed -- but only after the filibuster by southern Democrats was ended by the Republicans. It is worth noting that between 1933 and 1964 there were 26 major civil rights votes. Majority of Democrats OPPOSED these 80% of the time. Majority of the Republicans voted FOR these votes over 96% of the time.

You libs get me laughing, You guys think morals do not matter in a leader, (NJ governor (2), NY governor (2))
Racism does not matter (Obama and Clinton)
Anti-Americanism does not matter (Obama)
Lying under oath (Clinton)
Insulting our troops (All Democrat Congressman/woman)
All the above and more does not matter,
But Someone mis-speaks after taking a around the world trip, well thats disgraceful and makes him dishonest!!he does not know the facts.

By the way again if Al Qeade is in every country, why is it that they are never in the country we are looking at, you libs that naive, well I guess because you think Obama is a great speaker.

Obama is no Lincoln, nor FDR, nor JFK and Definitely NO Reagan, these Presidents spoke to the American People not at them and above them. If you watched Obama during his speech he could not look into the camera straight at us, this is proven fact that he is lying!

Huck has clearly stated he is not defending what Rev wright has said, but only defended where most of his race is feeling. Sometimes those feelings are justified, but wrongly expressed. This is what Huck is pointing out here. There is no question that the Rev Wright's comments are hateful and wrong. Obama himself is saying the same thing in his speech.

There are too sides to every story.I guess the saying is true: east is east and west is west and never the twain shall meet. Hillary supporters will find reasons to support her no matter what. McCain supporters will find reasons to support him no matter what. Obama supporters will find reasons to support him no matter what. But if you dig deep enough you will find the dirtiest of dirt on each of them. People let religion and so-called patriotism issues get in the way of making wise decisions about who they vote for but how we express religion and patriotism is personal for each of us. Going to church does not make me religious or a good person. Wearing a pin on my lapel does not mean I'm a patriot. I have come to dislike Hillary Clinton because of how her campaign is being run and the fact that she truly is a "do-anything/say-anything to get the nomination no matter how much damage she causes" candidate. Her behavior in this campaign has been egocentric and kind of vicious. McCain just plain scare