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Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper

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Obama Presser Today

April 29, 2008 3:59 PM

OBAMA: Before I start taking questions I want to open it up with a couple of comments about what we saw and heard yesterday. I have spent my entire adult life trying to bridge the gap between different kinds of people. That’s in my DNA, trying to promote mutual understanding to insist that we all share common hopes and common dreams as Americans and as human beings. That’s who I am. That’s what I believe. That’s what this campaign has been about.

Yesterday we saw a very different vision of America. I am outraged by the comments that were made and saddened over the spectacle that we saw yesterday. You know, I have been a member of Trinity United Church of Christ since 1992. I have known Reverend Wright for almost 20 years. The person I saw yesterday was not the person that I met 20 years ago. His comments were not only divisive and destructive, but I believe that they end up giving comfort to those who prey on hate and I believe that they do not portray accurately the perspective of the black church. They certainly don't portray accurately my values and beliefs. And if Reverend Wright thinks that that's political posturing, as he put it, then he doesn't know me very well. And based on his remarks yesterday, well, I may not know him as well as I thought either.

Now, I’ve already denounced the comments that had appeared in these previous sermons. As I said I had not heard them before. And I gave him the benefit of the doubt in my speech in Philadelphia, explaining that he has done enormous good in the church, he's built a wonderful congregation, the people of Trinity are wonderful people, and what attracted me has always been their ministry's reach beyond the church walls. But when he states and then amplifies such ridiculous propositions as the U.S. government somehow being involved in AIDS; when he suggests that Minister Farrakhan somehow represents one of the greatest voices of the 20th and 21st century; when he equates the United States' wartime efforts with terrorism, then there are no excuses. They offend me, they rightly offend all Americans, and they should be denounced. And that's what I’m doing very clearly and unequivocally here today.

Let me just close by saying this, I -- we started this campaign with the idea that the problems that we face as a country are too great to continue to be divided; that, in fact, all across America people are hungry to get out of the old, divisive politics of the past. I have spoken and written about the need for us to all recognize each other as Americans, regardless of race or religion or region of the country; that the only way we can deal with critical issues like energy and health care and education and the war on terrorism is if we are joined together. And the reason our campaign has been so successful is because we had moved beyond these old arguments. What we saw yesterday out of Reverend Wright was a resurfacing and, I believe, an exploitation of those old divisions. Whatever his intentions, that was the result. It is antithetical to our campaign, it is antithetical to what I am about, it is not what I think America stands for, and I want to be very clear that moving forward Reverend Wright does not speak for me, he does not speak for our campaign. I cannot prevent him from continuing to make these outrageous remarks, but what I do want him to be very clear about, as well as all of you and the American people, is that when I say I find these comments appalling, I mean it. It contradicts everything that I’m about and who I am. And anybody who has worked with me, who knows my life, who has read my books, who has seen what this campaign's about, I think will understand that it is completely opposed to what I stand for and where I want to take this country.

Last point, I’m particularly distressed that this has caused such a distraction from what this campaign should be about, which is the American people. Their situation is getting worse. And this campaign has never been about me. It’s never been about Senator Clinton or John McCain. It’s not about Reverend Wright. People want some help in stabilizing their lives and securing a better future for themselves and their children, and that's what we should be talking about. And the fact that Reverend Wright would think that somehow it was appropriate to command the stage for three or four consecutive days in the midst of this major debate is something that not only makes me angry, but also saddens me. So with that, let me take some questions.

Yeah, go ahead.

Q: Why the change in tone from yesterday when you spoke to us on the tarmac yesterday –

BO: I'll be honest with you, because I hadn't seen it yet.

Q: That was the difference?

BO: Yes.

Q: Had you heard the reports about the AIDS comment?

BO: I had not. I had not seen the transcript. What I had heard was that he had given a performance and I thought, at the time that it would be sufficient to re-iterate what I had said in Philadelphia. Upon watching it, what became clear to me was that it was more than just a -- it was more than just him defending himself. What became clear to me was that he was presenting a world view that -- that's -- that contradicts who I am and what I stand for and what I think particularly angered me was his suggestion, somehow, that my previous denunciation of his remarks were somehow political posturing. Anybody who knows me and anybody who knows what I'm about knows that I'm about trying to bridge gaps and that I see the commonality in all people. And so when I start hearing comments about conspiracy theories and AIDS and suggestions that somehow Minister Farrakhan is -- has been a great voice in the 20th century, then that goes directly at who I am and what I believe this country needs. Jeff?

Q: What do you expect or what do you plan do about this right now, to further distance yourself? Do you think you need to do that? What does that say about your judgment for superdelegates who are trying to decide which democratic nominee is better? Your candidacy has been based on judgment. What does this say?

BO: Well, look, as I said before, the person I saw yesterday was not the person that I had come to know over 20 years. I understand that I think he was pained and angered from what had happened previously during the first stage of this controversy. I think he felt vilified and attacked, and I understand that he wanted to defend himself. You know, I understand that, you know, he's gone through difficult times of late and that he's leaving his ministry after many years. And so, you know, that may account for the change but the insensitivity and the outrageousness of his statements and his performance in the question and answer period yesterday, I think, shocked me. It surprised me. As I said before, this is an individual who has built a very fine church and a church that is well-respected throughout Chicago. During the course of me attending that church, I had not heard those kinds of statements being made or those kinds of views being promoted. And I did not vet my pastor before I decided to run for the presidency. I was a member of the church. So, you know, I think what it says is that, you know, I have not -- you know, I did not run through -- run my pastor through the paces or review every one of the sermons that he had made over the last 30 years, but I don't think that anybody could attribute those ideas to me.

Q: What affect do you think it's going to have on your campaign?

BO: That's something that you guys will have to figure out. Obviously we've got elections in four or five days. So we'll find out. You know, what impact it has. Ultimately, I think that the American people know that we have to do better than we're doing right now. I think that they believe in the ideas of this campaign. I think they are convinced that special interests have dominated Washington too long. I think they are convinced that we've got to get beyond some of the same political games that we've been playing. I think they believe that we need to speak honestly and truthfully about how we're going to solve issues like energy or health care and I believe that this campaign has inspired a lot of people. And that's part of what, you know, going back to what you asked, Mike, about why I feel so strongly about this today. You know, after seeing Reverend Wright's performance, I felt as if there was a complete disregard for what -- for what the American people are going through and the need for them to rally together to solve these problems. You know, now is the time for us not to get distracted. Now is the time for us to pull together, and that's what we've been doing in this campaign and you know, there was a sense that that did not matter to Reverend Wright. What mattered was him commanding center stage.

Q: Did you have a conversation with Reverend Wright?

BO: No.

Q: What's going to happen with the distraction?

BO: I want to use this press conference to make people absolutely clear that obviously whatever relationship I had with Reverend Wright has changed, as a consequence of this. I don't think that he showed much concern for me. I don't -- more importantly -- I don't think he showed much concern for what we're trying to do in this campaign and what we're trying to do for the American people and with the American people And obviously, he's free to speak out on issues that are of concern to him and he can do it in any ways that he wants. But I feel very strongly that -- well, I want to make absolutely clear that I do not subscribe to the views that he expressed. I believe they are wrong. I think they are destructive. And to the extent that he continues to speak out, I do not expect those views to be attributed to me.

Q: I'm wondering, I don't know what -- I'm wondering -- [inaudible]

BO: Well, the new pastor, the young pastor, Reverend Otis Moss, is a wonderful, young pastor. And as I said, I still very much value the Trinity community. This -- I'll be honest, this obviously has put strains on that relationship, not because of the members or because of Reverend Moss, but because this has become such a spectacle. And, you know, when I go to church, it's not for spectacle, it's to pray and to find -- to find a stronger sense of faith. It's not to posture politically. It's not to -- you know, it's not to hear things that violate my core beliefs. And so, you know, and I certainly done want to provide a distraction for those who are worshiping at Trinity. So as of this point, I'm a member of Trinity. I haven't had a discussion with Reverend Moss about it, so I can't tell you how he's reacting and how he's responding. Okay? Kathy?

Q: Senator, I'm wondering to sort of follow on Jeff's question about why it's different now. Have you heard from some of your supporters, you know, you have supporters who expressed any alarm about what this might be doing to the campaign?

BO: Look, I mean, I don't think that it's that hard to figure out from if it was just a purely political perspective. You know, my reaction has more to do with what I want this campaign to be about and who I am. And I want to make certain that people understand who I am. You know, in some ways what Reverend Wright said yesterday, directly contradicts everything that I've done during my life. It contradicts how I was raised and the setting in which I was raised. It contradicts my decisions to pursue a career of public service. It contradicts the issues that I've worked on politically. It contradicts what I’ve said in my books. It contradicts what I said in my convention speech in 2004. It contradicts my announcement. It contradicts everything that I've been saying on this campaign trail. And what I tried to do in Philadelphia was to provide a context and to lift up some of the contradictions and complexities of race in America of which, you know, Reverend Wright is a part, and we're all a part, and try to make something constructive out of it. But there wasn't anything constructive out of yesterday. All it was, was a bunch of rants that aren't grounded in truth. And you know, I can construct something positive out of that. I can understand it. I, you know, the -- you know, the people do all sorts of things and, as I said before, I continue to believe that Reverend Wright has been a leader in the South Side. I think that the church he built is outstanding. I think that he has preached in the past some wonderful sermons. He provided, you know, valuable contributions to my family. But at a certain point, if what somebody says contradicts what you believe so fundamentally, and then he questions whether or not you believe it in front of the National Press Club, then that's enough. That's a show of disrespect to me. It's -- it is also, I think, an insult to what we've been trying to do in this campaign.

Q: Did you discuss with your wife after having seen Reverend Wright …

BO: Yeah, she was similarly angered. Joe?

Q: Reverend Wright said it's not an attack on him but an attack on the black church. First of all, do you agree with that? Second of all, the strain of theology that he preached, black liberation theology, can you explain something about the anger and the sentiments, how important a strain is liberation theology and why …

BO: Well, the – first of all of all, in terms of liberation theology, I'm not a theologian. So I think to some theologians there might be some well worked out theory of what constitutes liberation theology versus non-liberation theology. I went to church and listened to sermons, and the -- in the sermons that I heard -- and this is true, I do think, across the board in many black churches -- there is an emphasis on the importance of social struggle, the importance of striving for equality and justice and fairness, a social gospel. So a lot of people would, rather than using a fancy word like that, simply talk about preaching the social gospel and that -- there's nothing particularly odd about that. Dr. King, obviously, was the most prominent example of that kind of preaching. But you know, what I do think can happen, and I didn't see this as a member of the church, but I saw it yesterday, is when you start focusing so much on the plight of the historically oppressed that you lose sight of what we have in common, that it overrides everything else that we're not concerned about the struggles of others because we're looking at things only through a particular lens, then it doesn't describe properly what I believe in the power of faith to overcome but also to bring people together. Now, you had a first question that I don't remember.

Q: (Something about whether he sees this as an attack on the black church.)

BO: you know, I did not -- I did not view the initial round of sound bites that triggered this controversy as an attack on the black church. I viewed it as a simplification of who he was, a caricature of who he was. And, you know, more than anything, something that piqued a lot of political interest. I didn't see it as an attack on the black church. I mean, probably the only aspect of it that probably had to do with specifically the black church is the fact that some people were surprised when he was shouting. I mean, that is just a black church tradition. And so I think some people interpreted that as somehow, wow, he's really hollering and black preachers holler and so that, I think, showed a cultural gap in America. The sad thing is that, although the sound bites I, as I stated, I think, created a caricature of him and when he was in that Moyers interview though there were some things that, you know, continued to be offensive, at least there was some sense of rounding out the edges. Yesterday, I think he caricatured himself and that was -- as I said, that made me angry, but also made me sad.  Richard?

Q: (Inaudible) Did you consult with him before the speech or after the speech in Philadelphia to get his reaction?

BO: I tried to talk to him before the speech in Philadelphia. Wasn't able to reach him, because he was on a -- he was on a cruise. He had just stepped down from the pulpit. When he got back, I did speak to him and the -- you know, I prefer not to share sort of private conversations between me and him. I will talk to him perhaps someday in the future. But what I can say is that I was very clear that what he had said in those particular snippets, I found objectionable and offensive. And that the intention of the speech was to provide context for them but not to excuse them because I found them inexcusable.

Q: (Something about his relationship with Wright)

BO: There's been great damage. You know, I -- it may have been unintentional on his part, but, you know, I do not see that relationship being the same after this. Now, to some degree, you know, I know that one thing that he said was true was that he was never my, quote/unquote spiritual adviser, he was never my spiritual mentor, he was my Pastor. And so to some extent how, you know, the press characterized in the past that relationship, I think was inaccurate. But he was somebody who was my pastor and married Michelle and I and baptized my children and prayed with us when we announced this race. And so, you know, I'm disappointed. All right? thank you, guys.

-- jpt

April 29, 2008 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (62)

User Comments

I find it hard to believe that Obama didn't understand these views before Monday. I knew that Wright was expressing these type of opinions....the Rolling Stone knew it...Obama's campaign knew what Wright was about when they disinvited him from the Presidential announcement over a year ago.

So Obama didn't believe these things...and he was not able in the last 20 years to at least clue Rev Wright in to the fact that AIDS is not a government conspiracy against Blacks?

It was just a few weeks ago that Obama was so close to Wright that he equated him with his own grandmother...at least he made the moral equivalency.

It was only 4 months ago that Wright was touting Hamas in the church newsletter and attacking Hillary from the pulpit.

It seems to me that Obama has been slow on the uptake. If I really believed he didn't understand the controversial views of his minister I would really be worried about him dealing with complex negotiations with foreign nations....Actually I don't believe him and I'm still worried.


This is about judgement and experience to lead. Obama is barely withstanding the rigorous primary. And the continued attempts to blame someone else (Clinton) for his problems by his supporters really makes me wonder about our chances in the Fall.

Posted by: Jackie | Apr 30, 2008 3:08:46 AM

jayhawk, i'm so glad to hear that at least in one place young people have come to see the truth about obama. it tells me there is reason to believe in our future after all.

Posted by: so saddened | Apr 30, 2008 2:49:37 AM

I'm disgusted with Wright. I don't necessarily agree with Obama but he has run a decent campaign and this #($hole, who Obama looked up to, has turned it into a circus for his own personal glorification. It's a breathtaking act of betrayal.

Posted by: SuziQ | Apr 29, 2008 10:11:01 PM

"Now, to some degree, you know, I know that one thing that he said was true was that he was never my, quote/unquote spiritual adviser, he was never my spiritual mentor, he was my Pastor. And so to some extent how, you know, the press characterized in the past that relationship, I think was inaccurate. But he was somebody who was my pastor and married Michelle and I and baptized my children and prayed with us when we announced this race."

He lied. Obama told us previously that Wright had been his "spiritual advisor".

Posted by: s. valenti | Apr 29, 2008 9:36:39 PM

jgaw writes:
"now if you want to call me a lie
belle, that is fine.-that does not make any difference to me. but I do know what I hear on the radio."

Sorry I wasn't clear. What I meant is I was trying to get Baisden's show over the computer, but I can't. Maybe I can come up with some way to listen to it tomorrow. I'd be really interested to hear him.

Posted by: Belle Starr | Apr 29, 2008 7:26:57 PM

The true irony here is that the very church Obama joined for no other reason than to advance his political career is ultimately proving to be his political destruction.

As far those of you who feel that Obama's much belated denunciation of Wright is sufficient, I am reminded of a comment Churchill once made about the US: "When all is said and done Obama can be counted on doing the right thing, after having first exhausted every available alternative."

Posted by: Political Realist | Apr 29, 2008 7:25:34 PM

lance d told mgck59,
obama an inspiration.
but if it is an inspiration built on politcal posturing-and it is found out to be-we do not know obama enough-and what we do know is questionable.
so how do you tell your children to look at someone-who could very well be the biggest gamer of the system?
I would suggest bill cosby as a good inspiration, as far how to get ahead in this world.
I do not like to deal in what if'
but for this time (because, like I said I don't know obama)
what if
he did know about the rev. wright talking like this.-then he would be proven to be a liar
what if all of these issues that have raised questions associated with obama there is some truth to it.
I mean did you see those character with rev. wright
marion berry-doper
cornell west-children all over the place married mothers-0

you know, lance d. when I come to think about it. If we did not have obama on the national scene right now. we would not have all of these people coming out of the woodworks.
I could have gone the rest of my day and not heard marion b. name again.
and rev. wright well in my black church that I grew up in-we never heard rev. wright' kind of talk
it was a small country church and the majority of the people born in the 1930!
went on to college and are and have lived productive, good, lives
for my part I think mr. obama should go back and servie his senate term and help the people of ill. a little more.

Posted by: jgaw | Apr 29, 2008 7:13:55 PM

jgaw writes:
"... that is from michael baisden"

Hmm. Looks like Baisden doesn't broadcast outside the south, and that you have to give a credit card number online (which I can't do because of computer concerns) to get his show by computer. His business manager's at PYE [at] michaelbaisden [dot] com, for what THAT's worth.

Posted by: Belle Starr | Apr 29, 2008 7:06:11 PM

I am saddened that my people choose to vote for him but, that is their choice not mine. It really doesn't matter just as Al Sharpton stated WE Africa Americans are only 25% of the population, and less than 10% of us vote. There are other racial groups that can fill our voting void.

Posted by: mgck59 | Apr 29, 2008 6:50:58 PM

mgck59,

If you are really a black woman as you claim, you will be talking to your kids about all the inspiration Obama has generated in the course of this primary campaign. I don't care if he loose or win.

Who do you want to be an inspiration to those kids? The 30% black men sitting in jail cells? Or 50 cents?

I think what you should be outraged about is Black people undermining Black people. This is reminiscent of the time when slaves were competing for the attention of the master.

Posted by: Lance D. | Apr 29, 2008 6:49:23 PM

As a Black Women I am TRULY, TRULY disturbed by Obama's current political moves. My community is falling apart at the seams. This rude, arrogant, individual that was born with a silver spoon in his mouth has the audacity to NOW play this poverty role. He also NOW claims he knew NOTHING about his pastor. So the game is this they both turn on each other to make Obama look as if he were the innocent by stander. Now how stupid do they think we are this man has ranted and raved for years I've heard tapes personally so, Obama is just full of it when he states HE KNEW NOTHING. Obama doesn't even have enough sense to be ashamed. He is now showing a disrespect to those of us that have struggled in America. He walks out of a paradise into America and CHOOSES to be what he wants. Do you realize how many black youth don't even see hope in their lives. Obama is disgraceful, he has no heart nor is he a role model that I would use for my grandchildren. I teach them morals and ethics, these are the things that build character.......I don't teach them to win by any means necessary.

Posted by: mgck59 | Apr 29, 2008 6:38:26 PM

belle,
vote for obama
that is from michael baisden

Posted by: jgaw | Apr 29, 2008 6:33:50 PM

belle starr,
it is all over the black radio stations,
this is a high tech lynching of obama
and the word is from mb-"North Carolina family I hope you all are seeing through this-you all know what you have to do."

so the black obama supporters will have it all ways-
as long as we talk race-obama does not need to answer the hard questions of if he is really up to being president.
with the msm' help he is turning out to be a good spokes man on race issues
but what about the economy, and healthare.
rev. wright may have just bought obama some time-to stay off the real issues.
so maybe he has had to denounce him
publicy and thank him privately.
any day barack obama does not have to be specific in talking about the issues that face US, healthcare, etc.
is a good day for barack obama.
he said he did not want to be the race candidate
his black supporters think otherwise.
the want to put race front and center on the table and talk about it until the cows come home-while in behind our backs the economy slips down the tube.
If obama wants to really stop the talk about race and get back on the issues.
he will debate sen. clinton. and let that be an avenue to bring the issues back front and center.
if we could take a poll the only people who want to have race front and center right now are obama' black supporters

Posted by: jgaw | Apr 29, 2008 6:18:57 PM

Countdown: BO needs 134 delegates for pledged delegate majority and 288 delegates to lock up the nomination.

Sorry Hillary.

Posted by: Sean | Apr 29, 2008 6:17:36 PM

My mother always used to say, " You can tell a person's character by the company that he/she keeps." It is therefore no surprise intended or unintended that you recognize the influence Reverend Wright has in the Obama's public speaking. For e.g. when Michelle Obama says she is just recently "proud" of America or when Obama calls middle America "clinging" and " bitter." It makes me very uncomfortable that as a nation we are considering this man to be the number one spokesperson of the US to the world.

Posted by: mona | Apr 29, 2008 6:04:17 PM

@Becky,

With all due respect, I'm not trying to argue with you.
The problem here we don't know how long Obama know about the controversial sermons the pastor gave.
The Catholic church will dismiss the pastor immediately once they find out something wrong with the pastor.
The only thing now, is he telling the truth or not.
The different also the Catholic church scandal is behind close door but the sermons are given to all the members of church. Somebody should know what is going on.

Posted by: crisis08 | Apr 29, 2008 6:02:14 PM

I think Rev. Wright is right. Obama is politician, he says what politicians have to say, which are most lie... lie....

2 mothns a go Obama said, I cannot disown him (Rev.Wright) ....... why Obama wait until Wright threw Obama out the bus to disown the Rev.Wright...... what a politician!

Posted by: Abdullah | Apr 29, 2008 6:01:35 PM

jgaw writes:
"The black people in NC are going to vote for obama come hell or high water."

Why do you think that?

Posted by: Belle Starr | Apr 29, 2008 5:58:09 PM

jgaw:

I think you are right. Obama will get the support of NC blacks. I also think that many black people may feel sympathy for Obama and still support him though. This was a full frontal assualt on Obama perpetrated by Rev. Wright. Even I feel kind of sorry for Obama, on a personal level. But, I dampen that becausee I think there is more than meets the eye here.

Posted by: countallthevotes | Apr 29, 2008 5:56:40 PM

What about Hillary's secretive spiritual mentor, Doug Coe? He leads a strange cult called the Family/Fellowship? What's up with that?

Doug Coe expressed admiration for Mao and Hitler. Why does Hillary admire this man?

Posted by: Doug | Apr 29, 2008 5:53:41 PM

What about Hillary's secretive spiritual mentor, Doug Coe? He leads a strange cult called the Family/Fellowship? What's up with that?

Posted by: Doug | Apr 29, 2008 5:53:04 PM

The black people in NC are going to vote for obama come hell or high water.
The rest of the country' black people may not. but nc-obama's
sad to say obama can do ANYTHING and the people in NC will vote for him

Posted by: jgaw | Apr 29, 2008 5:47:58 PM

crisis08: I mean nothing against the Catholic Church or Catholics. I am using it as an example of how a person can go to church for 20 years and not really know the person teaching you about God and life. And if you are to hold Rev. Wright against this one man or anyone else from that church is like saying every catholic in the US should be held responsible.

Posted by: Becky | Apr 29, 2008 5:45:41 PM

Does he really think he will be welcome in that church after this?

Posted by: Belle-Seattle | Apr 29, 2008 5:37:44 PM

I think this is a plan to put an end to this before he becomes the chosen one so if the republicans try to use it he can whine and say I already took care of this . It was a planned act between him and his pastor.IMO bring it out now so It can't be used again I don't believe it will work.

Posted by: Bishop | Apr 29, 2008 5:37:31 PM

It's time to put this behind us and start talking about the things that matter. Seriously, how much impact is Obama's ex pastor going to have tomorrow, 1 year from now, 5 years from now? But, the war, the economy, education, those things that are important now, will continue to be vital issues. We have to keep our eye on the ball or nothing will change. How does talking about Rev Wright help us solve our problems? It only distracts us from the bringing about the change we so desperately need.

Senator Obama, we've been with you from the beginning and we will stay with you until you are in the White House. Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. Nothing.

Posted by: ericajane | Apr 29, 2008 5:37:12 PM

... but those people who pathetically cling to their mistaken beliefs in times of stress.... like one armed mountain climbers during an extended avalanche...... we will leave to Barack.

;-)

Posted by: questioner | Apr 29, 2008 5:35:49 PM

How can a member of a church disown his pastor and throw him under the bus. Unless he wants to be President. This may go away soon, but people will have questions in the national election. He will lose the election and the DNC will blame the republicans for dirty tricks and every other tactic they throw at him. It will be their fault because they didn't nominate the right person that was strong enough to beat McCain.

Hillary for President.

Posted by: Lois, California | Apr 29, 2008 5:35:21 PM

Jack,

Don't humiliate people regarding on their gender, age, education , race etc.
People with high education does not mean they are educated in good manner and behavior.
If you think you don't need these elderly, blue collar , white people, you would have big loss in the GE whoever your candidate is.
All I can say is " GOOD LUCK"

Posted by: crisis08 | Apr 29, 2008 5:34:04 PM

I am looking for serious experience in my Candidate. I want someone who can handle impeachment hearings. Who can look you in the eye and tell me about emergency landings in sniper fire. I want someone who will fire all of the Travel employees in the Whitehouse and replace them with hillbillies from Arkansas. I want the experience of someone who can raise money by renting out the Lincoln bedroom in the Whitehouse. I want someone who will say or do anything to get elected. That is what Hillary supporters are hoping for.

Posted by: Progressive Democrat | Apr 29, 2008 5:30:47 PM

I think Obama and his pastor are playing a game with us.
Obama said:" I don't see that relationship baing the same after this"
Obama again tried to convince people that he has no relationship after he become president.
I don't believe both of them tried to hurt each other.
His pastor just can not accept Obama dismiss his sermons .

Posted by: crisis08 | Apr 29, 2008 5:27:12 PM

Hill the Bosnian General will do anything and say anything to win the nomination, but too little and too late for her. The nomination is done deal, Obama has it already. Next time she might bring Farrahkan out. God bless America and God bless Obama. OBAMA08.

Posted by: BKMC | Apr 29, 2008 5:27:10 PM

Well OBamas going to church must be a joke because Rev Wright seemed to be just like he is in every tape I've seen, and it pisses me off that they think he can just make a speech and all is fine he is a fake .And I will never vote for him.

Posted by: Bishop | Apr 29, 2008 5:23:38 PM

Thanks for the transcript, Jake.

I think Obama did exactly the right thing. After 20 years you don't rush to judgment, but you don't go into a permanent state of denial either.

Posted by: Tom J | Apr 29, 2008 5:21:45 PM

Out of which kool-aid jar was the description of Hillary's supporters as being frail, feeble and uneducated come?

It seems to me that they definitely make the most intelligent choices when it comes to selecting a candidate for the highest office in the country.

It is also apparent that when it comes to "blogging", they are the least likely to disseminate slander; and when it comes to neatness, they are the least likely to leave "smears".

There are many equally intelligent folk who have been betrayed by Obama's sweet promises.

We would love to have them join with us in voting for the best available choice for President, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Posted by: questioner | Apr 29, 2008 5:21:21 PM

"Man can you imagine what Rev. Wright is going to say now?"

Something about his murdered choir director, perhaps?

Posted by: Belle Starr | Apr 29, 2008 5:20:04 PM

Man can you imagine what Rev. Wright is going to say now? Geeze McCain, Clinton, and now Wright against Obama. Obama you should of denounced him when you had the chance during your race speech once again you let this become too big and Wright is going to take you down with him. Is it is just me or does the Obama campaign seem to be crumbling just a little bit?

Posted by: Gonzalo | Apr 29, 2008 5:16:55 PM

Reverend Otis Moss is another character .. Good luck Obama

Posted by: Rick | Apr 29, 2008 5:14:04 PM

All you Clinton lovers get bent.................

Posted by: h | Apr 29, 2008 5:12:43 PM

Thank you Jack. I don't hate Obama, I just prefer Clinton.

Posted by: Tina from Florida | Apr 29, 2008 5:05:39 PM

mr. hopey changey was down in the polls. so he had his pastor/spiritual advisor, who had hurt him in the polls, come out and make some idiotic comments so that he'd have an opportunity to denounce him, hoping people would fall for the bull and his polls would go back up.

sorry, mr. hopey changey, you're not fooling anyone except the ones who are so willfully blind that they would defend you if they saw you kill puppies and kittens with your bare hands.

Posted by: so saddened | Apr 29, 2008 5:00:51 PM

Dissing Minister Farrakhan probably wasn't the tender candidate's brightest move, either ...

I'd imagine Obama's gonna wake up every day for years -- and not in the White House, either -- wishing he hadn't done that press conference.

Posted by: Belle Starr | Apr 29, 2008 5:00:21 PM

Too little too late, Mr. Hope.

I can't wait to see the Rev. Wright's response! This is great theater.

Posted by: Vickie | Apr 29, 2008 4:58:26 PM

jack, I can't be the only peron under 65 supporting Clinton. In my own family it's 5 to 1 for Clinton and only one of us is over 65.

Posted by: Tina from Florida | Apr 29, 2008 4:57:40 PM

Stay tuned for Reverend Wright's response.

Posted by: mona | Apr 29, 2008 4:51:19 PM

jack, you had better stop insulted the Clinton supporters. If you think Obama can win without us you got another thing coming. By the way I am under 65 and not a blue collar worker. Blue collar workers built this country.

Posted by: Tina from Florida | Apr 29, 2008 4:51:15 PM

Janet,
I totally agree. What better way to set up a scenario where Obama could appear to be more assertive in his disassociation with Wright and deflecting from old remarks than by creating this supposed falling out. I think they figured there was nothing to lose and everything to gain. If so, I think it a mistake though because it brought up other problems and conflicts in Obama's previous statements concerning Wright...mainly, Wright's comments weren't much different that what has been shown in his sermons. So why the sudden indignation?

Posted by: dc | Apr 29, 2008 4:48:09 PM

Hey Jack

I'm not for Hillary, but your self-righteous comments show a lack of class. And those "flyover" people you denigrate are outvoting Obama supporters.

Posted by: jptrenn | Apr 29, 2008 4:43:02 PM

I wonder if all the people who have been apologist for the Rev. Moyers, Keith Olbermann and such will denounce him too.

Posted by: Tina from Florida | Apr 29, 2008 4:42:25 PM

BO: I can no more disown Rev. Wright than my white grandmother...

(someone off-podium hands BO the latest IN, NC and national polls showing that he is tanking...)

BO: Who the heck is this guy? This is not the man I know...

Posted by: commonsensenj | Apr 29, 2008 4:42:17 PM

Obama keeps trumpeting his judgment as one of the primary reasons to nominate him for president. What kind of judgment does he show sitting and listening to Wright for 20 years? By his own account, Obama considered Wright to be his spiritual guide, and one of his family. Not anymore, apparently. Obama is now saying, "Rev. Wright is dead to me." Yet, Wright is the same person who was, until recently, one of the most important influences in Obama's life. Did Wright change? Is the Wright we are seeing now not the same one who exerted so much influence over Obama, and who provided so much inspiration to Obama? It is inconceivable that the Wright we are seeing today is not the Wright that Obama knew for 20 years. If, as he claims, Obama was not aware of how extreme, and just plain silly, were the views of Wright, then we have to seriously call into question Obama's ability to judge people, which is one of the most important characteristics of a president. In addition, if after professing his admiration for Wright Obama is willing to throw the old gentleman under the proverbial campaign bus, does this not call into question Obama's loyalty to his friends and associates. Loyalty is another critical characteristic of an effective president.

Posted by: David H | Apr 29, 2008 4:39:12 PM

Now that Senator Obama has finally denouced his ex-pastor because of his dangerous highly polarised racial & devisive comments,it is time for Senator Obama to move on. Do not allow anything to kill your dream. God bless you the president in waiting.The whole world is watching you and those special interest that want to kill the mometum.Unfortunately they have failed.

Posted by: joe | Apr 29, 2008 4:36:01 PM

Rev. Wright has certainly dented the Obama campiagn

However,

I believe Obama will NC by double digits and make up the grounds he lost in PA

Indiana, b/c of the large "undecided" there's a possibility he may lose.

I must say, if Hillary can not pull out Indiana

The headlines next week will not only be "Hillary must loses Indiana"

The media and SDs will question her fight

After a horrible weekend and eventually week for the Obama campiagn she couldn't pull Indiana???

I agree Rev. Wright is definitely not an asset to the Obama campiagn

BUT

the Rev. Wright issue certainly puts pressure on the Clinton camp to win IN and NC

Posted by: Vanessa | Apr 29, 2008 4:35:42 PM

My prediction: Obama will have to drop out on or before May 6th. Did he cancel the rally after this conference call? He is too weak to stand up for himself and to make the tough decisions that a present will face.

Posted by: V,CA | Apr 29, 2008 4:30:38 PM

Stop blaming Hillary for this she did not give birth to the Rev. Wright.

Posted by: Tina from Florida | Apr 29, 2008 4:29:06 PM

Obama is a politician and is acting political. He can fool some of the people some of the time, but he can’t fool all the people all the time. The company you keep says a lot about the type of man you are.

The three major themes that his campaign is based on is Judgment, Change and Hope, yet when investigated his actions don’t seem to match his rhetoric.

Judgment- Where was his judgment when it came to his personal and longtime connections with people such as Wright, Ayers and Rezko?

Change- How can we expect that he will actually try and change the way Washington works, when he sat in a church for 20 years and listened to the preaching of a very angry and divisive pastor and did nothing to try and change the tone?

Hope –How can we follow his message of hope when he penned Wright as his “spiritual mentor” (know he is trying to say he was just his pastor) and appointed him to the spiritual advisory committee on his campaign? Wright’s preaching implies he is hopeless about the future and progress of America and that message was passed on to his congregation over the last 20 years that you sat in the pews listening.

The future of our country has to be more than words. Hope must be used to inspire positive change. Change can only happen through action. Judgment must be based on integrity, follow through and personal associations, not simply one speech. When you look at the full spectrum of Obama’s actions, associations and integrity there isn’t much that proves that his rhetoric will be anything more than just words.

Posted by: Andrea | Apr 29, 2008 4:28:16 PM

The cynic in me believes this is a wink-wink situation. Rev. I have to throw you under the bus to win, we will sort this out when I am in the White-house. I was listening to a mostly black radio station and the callers were not happy. The moderator was trying to make them understand that Obama can not win with the black vote alone and that they had to understand that EVERYONE is a product of their life experience.

Posted by: Tina from Florida | Apr 29, 2008 4:26:48 PM

Dr. Reynolds, who arranged Rev. Wright's appearance, is a strong and vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton.

Posted by: LEB | Apr 29, 2008 4:26:27 PM

Do you really think that this is not a setup so that Obama can actually declare his contempt for the Rev. Wright?

Do you really believe American people are stupid to believe that Obama is not in bed with the Rev.?

Give me a break!

Posted by: Janet | Apr 29, 2008 4:18:28 PM

After watching the press conference, I was left with the impression that that Obama is still very unsure how he will handle this situation. As much as I enjoy poking fun at the Obama supporters on here, I do feel compassion for Obama over this. He seems like a deciet guy but very inexperienced. Well everything will work itself out in the end. Ok now attack! you foaming , rabbid Bama supporters.

Posted by: Jim | Apr 29, 2008 4:14:19 PM

yes, but look at the free publicity he gets>

Posted by: questioner | Apr 29, 2008 4:13:28 PM

Pathetic.

Posted by: geevill | Apr 29, 2008 4:10:50 PM

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