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Priest and Obama Ally Mocks Clinton's Tears from Obama's Church's Pulpit
May 29, 2008 3:34 PM
Father Michael Pfleger, a fiery liberal social activist and a white reverend at an African-American church -- St. Sabina’s Catholic Church on the South Side of Chicago -- is a longtime friend and associate of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, having known him since the presidential hopeful was a community activist. In September, the Obama campaign brought Pfleger to Iowa to host one of several interfaith forums for the campaign.
Their relationship spans decades. Pfleger has given money to Obama's campaigns and Obama as a state legislator directed at least $225,000 towards social programs at St. Sabina's, according to the Chicago Tribune.
A new Youtube video making the rounds shows Pfleger speaking at Obama's church, Trinity United Church of Christ, just last Sunday, mocking Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, for having cried in New Hampshire, suggesting that she wept because she thought as a white person and wife of a former president she was entitled to the presidency.
Watch HERE.
In response to the sermon, Obama issued a statement saying: “As I have traveled this country, I've been impressed not by what divides us, but by all that that unites us. That is why I am deeply disappointed in Father Pfleger's divisive, backward-looking rhetoric, which doesn't reflect the country I see or the desire of people across America to come together in common cause.”
This is what Obama was responding to: After being introduced by Obama's church's new pastor -- Rev. Otis Moss -- Rev. Pfleger talks about the importance of taking on "white entitlement and supremacy wherever it raises its head."
"Rev. Moss, when Hillary was crying, and people said that was put on, I really don't believe it was put on," Pfleger says from the pulpit. "I really believe that she just always thought, 'This is mine! I'm Bill's wife, I'm white, and this is mine! I just gotta get up and step into the plate.' And then out of nowhere came, 'Hey, I'm Barack Obama,' and she said, 'Oh, damn! Where did you come from? I'm white! I'm entitled! There's a black man stealing my show!'
Pfleger then mocks her crying, much to delight of the crowd, many of whom stand up and applaud.
"She wasn't the only one crying, there was a whole lot of white people crying!" Pfleger says to laughter.
The tape, which just shows this one controversial part of Pfleger's sermon, then cuts to Moss thanking Pfleger: "We thank God for the message, we thank God for the messenger, we thank God for Father Michael Pfleger," Moss says.
The New York Times recently described Father Pfleger as having "long worked with South Side political leaders to reduce crime and improve the community. But he has drawn fire from some quarters for defending the Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and inviting him to speak at his church."
- jpt
UPDATE: Pfleger appears to have been scrubbed from the Obama campaign's page that features the testimony of faith leaders, but you can see the cached version HERE.
UPDATE II: Father Pfleger writes to say, "I regret the words I chose on Sunday. These words are inconsistent with Senator Obama's life and message, and I am deeply sorry if they offended Senator Clinton or anyone else who saw them."
May 29, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (1019)
If a white person said things about black people like that....mocking them...the outcry of racism would be unbelievable; however, since this is mocking a white woman, well that's just okay, isn't it?
Posted by: mnshadow | Jun 4, 2008 2:23:20 PM
What ever happend to freedom of speech? When did it become a trend to blame someone for another's opinion? Obama is not responsible for anyone but himself! If that were not true, we would all be condemned for the sayings and beliefs of our families and friends! I'm tired of people and their "better than thou" tirade! GET OVER IT PEOPLE! Hilary says whatever she wants and no one sees anthing wrong with it (and it has come from the horses mouth)...Yet, a Pastor (not Obama himself) says something and somehow it's placed on the shoulders of the next man? U all are a joke!
Posted by: princess | Jun 3, 2008 1:02:06 PM
Barack Obama does not need to explain what someone else says (it is an opinion and many agree with the pastor today; whether you like it or not, or you listen to the whole sermon or not, or have had to deal with rascism or not, the pastor's statements reflect a group of people in America that still very much exist and Obama denouncing them will not change that)
Meanwhile, Hilary Clinton herself makes "questionable" statements personally that I find offensive and she is making them, not someone else.
So I'm going to stick with Obama.
Posted by: Beloved | Jun 3, 2008 12:39:01 PM
I am embarrassed that someone so corrupt and has as thin a resume as Obama is this far in a presidential primary. Unbelievable. Unelectable.
Posted by: AC-n-NC | Jun 1, 2008 8:48:53 PM
Senator Clinton and President Clinton are the only ones that deserve this title
What is it that you people don't get?
This is not American Idol.
The 90's were the best. The world was different because Bush wasn't there
Clintons had no problem with Republicans, had a wonderful international appeal and the money was flowing into our country
What are you guys thinking
Posted by: Al from NJ | Jun 1, 2008 11:41:11 AM
The primary polls will change drastically in the general election if Obama is the nominee.
Democrats need to wake up. Senator Obama is still being vetted. He is very concerning to many in my community. I would love for the media to cover his connections with his church more thoroughly.
Only a day ago, Reverend Michael Pflager was viewed in Obama’s church, United Church of Christ. My entire community was offended to how this man not only spoke about whites but about President Clinton and Senator Clinton.
For Senator Pelosi not to step up to defend Senator Clinton is appalling.
17 million or more voters are hurt by this mans comments. This was another pastor friend of Senator Obama. He was spewing hatred towards whites and Senator Clinton and President Clinton.
Trintiy United Church of Christ is promoting anti American and racial views that are disgraceful.
How dare Senator Obama expect to have support from Democrats. It’s embarrassing. Obama has spoken about his “new” pastor, Otis Moss, as a lovely man.
Reverend Moss actually introduced this radical racist, Reverend Michael Pflager and then thanked him for his sermon.
Senator Obama has been friends with these people for over twenty years, not days. They were his moral compasses, his mentors and guidance counselors in life. Obama wants us to believe that in over almost 500 sermons that he never knew his churches views.
I would recommend that everyone spend time, just on “you tube” alone, and visit Trinity United Church of Christ, watch Louis Farrakhan, Reverend Wright, Reverend Pflager and in action.
Read about the 57 states of Islam, research the Muslim views of Obama. Investigate how Obama practiced law with Rezko in Chicago.
Lastly view radical domestic terrorist William Ayers, a coworker of Obama. They all do their share of spewing hatred.
According to Fox news: Special Report with Brit Hume, Obama had Rev Pflager on the campaign trail with him until last week. United Church of Christ and its new minister, Reverend Moss introduced this Rev. Pflager as a speaker.
I do know that if Senator Clinton was involved with a church that supported the Ku Klux Klan, I would want her explaining herself.
The media needs to confront Senator Obama. This is a matter of character Why is no one investigating Senator Obama’s background more thoroughly? I am totally embarrassed to be a Democrat if Obama becomes the nominee.
Who is this man: Obama? Why aren’t we as Democrats running from him?
Posted by: Al from NJ | Jun 1, 2008 11:36:26 AM
Kathy, I've made a grievous error and, for that, I apologize. That was meant for "lllllllllllllll."
Posted by: Sierra Gold | May 31, 2008 9:46:39 PM
*in the best slang I can muster*
You're kinda puttin' the cart in front of the horse, aren't you, Kathy?
Posted by: Sierra Gold | May 31, 2008 9:15:38 PM
This has nothing to do with President Obama.
Posted by: lllllllllllllll | May 31, 2008 8:21:24 PM
This has nothing to do with President Obama.
Posted by: lllllllllllllll | May 31, 2008 8:20:00 PM
oh well, here we go again. same man...same ride. what do ya expect? any thing different? consider the source!
Posted by: kathy | May 31, 2008 6:57:20 PM
If you heard Rev. Wright's or Rev. Pfleger's political rants while speaking from a pulpit, you might want to read the Internal Revenue Service's rules against such conduct.
From The IRS:
Under the Internal Revenue Code, all IRC section 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches and religious
organizations, are absolutely prohibited from directly or
indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political
campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made by or on behalf of the organization in favor
of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign
activity. Violation of this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of
certain excise tax.
Posted by: cec | May 31, 2008 3:34:31 AM
As a pastor - and as a gay man - I will NOT support Sen. Obama's nor his choices of spiritual/religious affiliations. Here's the whole list (in case some of you are forgetting the WHOLE list):
Oct. 2007 - Obama invites gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, to be part of his campaign's attempt to reach black evangelicals. Mr. McClurkin is a former gay man whose ministry includes helping people to NOT be gay. The largest gay rights organization, the Human Rights Campaign, criticizes Obama for his choice of company.
Jan. 2008 - The day after Obama makes a pro-gay speech in a predominantly Black church, Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell (a spiritual advisor to Pres. Bush) endorses Obama. Rev. Caldwell's church (at that time - they've since took it down) includes a ministry whose soul purpose is to convert gay people into "normal" straight people. Also this month Obama says Rev. Wright was a "sounding board" for him and one that helps Obama to "speak the truth."
March 2008 - The country begins to review Rev. Wright's church and discovers the church's magazine's support of Rev. Farrakhan (an anti-Jewish and anti-gay pastor) as well as his sermons saying that 9/11 was brought on by racism, God should "damn America," the first woman candidate has never suffered any kind of oppression or discrimination, and AIDS (the disease that has caused widespread oppression for millions of gay people) was actually developed by the US to hurt the African American community.
April 2008 - Obama calls Rev. Wright's recent remarks at the National Press club "a bunch of rants that aren't grounded in the truth" but does not leave his church.
May 2008 - Father Pfleger visits Obama's church and suggests that he understands the heart and mind of Hillary Clinton who he said is an "entitled white women" who fakes her tears and is afraid of Obama's success because he is an African American. Pfleger's archbishop gives him a public reprimand for "partisan campaigning."
Yeah...I'm sticking with Hillary!!!!
Posted by: gaypastor | May 31, 2008 1:19:21 AM
Reagan Democrats will be Clinton Republicans. Since we have a Democratic Congress, we can afford to vote Republican to send a message to the Democratic Party.
Posted by: Lake | May 31, 2008 12:09:23 AM
What a disgrace to the human race. If Obama isn't a racist, he sure has a lot of close friends who are. Weird!
Posted by: Julie | May 30, 2008 10:43:37 PM
The company someone chooses to keep is a measure of the person. It has been reported by Lynn Sweet of the Chicago SunTimes that Senator Obama has known the priest for years and was considered a friend by Obama. In addition, he was affiliated with Obama's campaign as an advisor until a few weeks ago.
This calls into question at least 3 important issues: Senator Obama's judgment; whether Senator Obama agrees with the views of those he has chosen to include in his campaign; and whether this further calls into question Senator Obama's electability.
Posted by: dreffein | May 30, 2008 10:03:01 PM
Let’s put this into perspective. Obama has been associated with this church for 20+ years and until now he had not been aware of its racially biased church sermons/beliefs? There are only two possible explanations for this: 1.) He is lying, or 2.) He really didn’t know that his church leaders and what appears to be its entire congregation were racially biased.
If I give Obama the benefit of the doubt and believe he’s not lying, then I have to wonder what kind of job he would do as leader of the free world when he didn’t even know what was going on in his own church?!?! I’ve only known about this church for a few months, and I’ve figured it out about 19 ½ years faster than he did.
Posted by: DP | May 30, 2008 10:00:51 PM
Why should Obama apologize. The truth hurts. Hillary brought the racial thing into this. If Hillary were black, she would be claiming racial. Neither candidate is worth a damn, and what can they do. Blame Bush for all the economy problems, but the damn democrats are in charge. LOL
Posted by: John Morris | May 30, 2008 6:20:41 PM
The role of a Christian church is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, that repentence from our sins and belief in his atoning work on the cross saves us from the enslavement of sin here on earth and hell in the afterlife. How many of the sermons from Obama's home church ever mention that? While Protestants have no general oversight over ministers such as Wright -- denominations have no say in each other's affairs -- why doesn't the pope at least, who was lauded so much last month visiting here, do something about such priests as Pfleger? The church is not a narcissistic club for stroking one's own ethnic or national group at the expense of another. People are missing the good news of eternal life by going to such places.
Posted by: Lostwithiel | May 30, 2008 5:49:45 PM
Reposted due to errors in first message... but read on...
What Father Michael Pfleger said was very true. Last week when Hillary used RFK assassination to call out her low-income, hard-working, no college education white people(her words) supporters to do what... we all know what. Did she apologize publicly to Obama? No, and she really owed him an apology. MSNBC and all the other ridiculous news stations had the nerve to say today that Obama should apologize to Hillary. For what? He does on own the Church or the "Man" who uttered those words. But, she owned the words she said last. So when Father Pfleger refers to her as acting like a "Superior White Woman", that nonsense about Obama apologizing to her fits in to this scenario. Remember, it is Hillary who like playing the race card. Black Americans are not racist, we are tired of racist people.
Thanks.
Posted by: Leo | May 30, 2008 5:13:55 PM
What Father Michael Pfleger said was very true. Last week when Hillary used RFK assassination to call out her low-income, hard-working, no college education (her words) supporters to do what... we all know what she was doing, did she apologize publicly to Obama? No, and she really owed him an apology. Now on MSNBC and all the other ridiculous news stations had the nerve to say Obama should apologize to Hillary. For what? He does on own the Church or the "Man" who uttered those words. But, she owned the words she said last. So when Father Pfleger refers to her as acting like a Superior White Woman, that nonsense about Obama apologizing to her fits in to this scenario. Remember, it is Hillary who like playing the race card. Black Americans are not racist, we are tired of racist people.
Thanks.
Posted by: Leo | May 30, 2008 5:09:17 PM
What makes you believe that obama is for everyone??? which he isn't any pastor or priest or father or any clergyman goes before the pulpit and mocks and critices and judges and projects hatred is not a true believer of christ.
Posted by: Latina | May 30, 2008 5:06:50 PM
i hate how church and religion has ANY part of the conversation. i can't stand how this dumb church is sinking his campaign. you can choose to look at what others say that he's been associated with or you can choose to look at what he's said, what he's done. if you hold this standard to him, you have to hold it to hillary and john as well. both of them have people around them that have said divisive and hurtful things, so can we just say that they cancel each other out and LISTEN TO THEM DEBATE ON SERIOUS ISSUES.
why are we americans so stupid and easilly swayed by distraction issues?!?!?! the world is LAUGHING at us.
Posted by: Jeff | May 30, 2008 5:00:41 PM
In the article at the top of this page is a site..click on "go to chicago tribune and see all of the "pork" that Obama is responsible for and see what black organiztions millions of dollars were "awarded" VERY INTERESTING..SEE WHERE THE DOLLARS WENT!!!! IS THIS WHAT HE INTENDS ON DOING IF HE GETS ELECTED POTUS...WE WHITES WILL BE "SCREWED" ROYALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by: micha6888 | May 30, 2008 3:43:34 PM
This is just Wright repeated.
I'm more concerned about the 225k, Obama as a legislator directed towards social programs at Pfleger's parish.
Was this legitimate use of tax payer funds? Part of Bush's faith based initiative? I'm curious.
Posted by: None of the Above 08 | May 30, 2008 3:18:58 PM
To all of you who say that African Americans are Obama's people, this is a news flash from a Native African American, who was raised on the South Side of Chicago, OBAMA'S AFRICAN IS KENYAN AND OBAMA AMERICAN IS WHITE. Obama is really just begining to learn about us. Yet, Obama whole entire up- bring is WHITE AMERICAN. JUST BECAUSE HE LOOKS LIKE ONE OF US HE IS NOT. I don't know who called Obama a community organizer, but that is a JOKE to us South Side Chicago people.
Posted by: patricia smith | May 30, 2008 3:16:36 PM
I saw McCain's response to this scandal and he really showed class with his answer. He pretty much said Obama has to decide whether he needs to leave his church (doubtful after 20 years) and then he talked about how he, McCain, has always shown Clinton respect and that she deserves it and this kind of behavior is disgraceful. Note - Obama has made no acknowledgement about Senator Clinton, he's only covered his own backside. This just helps solidify to us Hillary supporters that plan on voting for McCain that we are making the right second choice.
Posted by: Cap | May 30, 2008 3:10:46 PM
Apparently the DNC, Pelosi and Reid are planning on dumping on Hillary! They have decided to give all of the independant votes in Mich and Fla to Obama! They are also pushing Super delegates to vote now (within the week) to get this debacle over with! They do not want Hillary to go to the convention and are trying to push her to quit! Well, so much for the Democratic Party!! They have decided FOR IS, what the game plan is!!! Big mistake!!! And they call themselves Democratic??? What the hell is so democratic about their entire forum? The only thing the DNC, Reid, Pelosi, Obama and his "crew have succeeded in doing is "throwing themselves under the bus"!! They have succeeded in turning loyal democrats into republicans!! They have succeeded in disenfranchising millions of voters with "their way or the highway" atttitude!! They have succeeded in telling white people that the black vote was more important to them that ours! Well, this now ex-Democrat willl take his vote to the only valid candidate other than Hillary and that would be McCain! He has a backround that does not include radicals and unAmerican friends, pastors and crooks! He did not spend over 20 years with any pastor..he defended this country with valor and his wife loves this country! Iraq will not come to a speedy conclusion no matter who becomes POTUS and he will not be catering to the faction that believes this country owes them a living and should pay for something that happened 200 yrs ago! Obama is the least qualified politically and privately to become President of these United States. I might just add that if Obama was on the Republican ticket all blacks would now become Republicans!! They are only for Obama because he is black...substance he does not have!! Character he does not have!! He only has rhetoric that says nothing!!
Posted by: micha6888 | May 30, 2008 2:56:00 PM
The problem is not "guilt by association" for Obama. To be clear, he himself has said or done none of the racist or hateful things spoken or done by Jeremiah Wright, Fr. Pfleger, or Bill Ayers. The real problem is Obama's lack of judgment and his affinity for choosing friends and mentors who are racist, or who would bring America to its knees, if given the chance. Why does one who aspires to be Commander-in-Chief pal around with these types?
Posted by: Bluebird | May 30, 2008 2:53:14 PM
How can Obama help what people say. Leave the man alone and let him run his race. It amazes me how folks who never attend church or even have a bible wants to crucify preachers who make statements in their sermons.
It is unfair to place a mark on a man because of what somebody says. Another thing, you mean to tell me that most democratic voters will not vote for barack but go republican, man please. The truth be told america still have a lot of racism and don't want to see a black president.
Also, how can you keep the church out of politics when the constitution was set up by our four fathers based on bibical principles. So before you down play sermons in the church read the bible and the constitution.
Posted by: Ricky | May 30, 2008 2:35:25 PM
To all of you who say that African Americans are Obama's people, this is a news flash from a Native African American, who was raised on the South Side of Chicago, OBAMA'S AFRICAN IS KENYAN AND OBAMA AMERICAN IS WHITE. Obama is really just begining to learn about us. Yet, Obama whole entire up- bring is WHITE AMERICAN. JUST BECAUSE HE LOOKS LIKE ONE OF US HE IS NOT. I don't know who called Obama a community organizer, but that is a JOKE to us South Side Chicago people.
Posted by: patricia smith | May 30, 2008 2:35:01 PM
Carol - Kind of like the time Obama mocked Hillary by calling her Annie Oakley and for taking a shot of whiskey AFTER he downed a beer for a photo op - did he ever apoligize for those times?
Posted by: Jules | May 30, 2008 2:23:42 PM
Church is supposed to be a faithful place to connect with God or whomever your higher being is. I don't think any Pastor or Priest should be screaming in their sermon about politics.
Posted by: Teresa | May 30, 2008 2:13:14 PM
Within 6 months Mr. Blah blah blahhhh will become Mr. boohoo! One thing Obama’s fans should do in November is to invite Wright and Michael Pfleger to Obama farewell party. One will sing a song “God D America” and the other will mock the crying BOOHOOO!
Posted by: JKN | May 30, 2008 1:59:35 PM
Isn't this kind of like when Hillary mocked Barack about the choirs of celestial angels. That was the candidate herself mocking him, not one of her supporters. Did she ever apologize for that or anything else negative that she herself said!!
Posted by: Carol | May 30, 2008 1:46:42 PM
Obama has lost all credibility..
He attends a racist church for 20 years, but tells the world he wants to unite everyone.
This is just another red flag--warning America that Obama is not what he seems.
I'll never vote for Obama. I simply do not trust him.
Hillary or McCain 08
Posted by: cindy in nc | May 30, 2008 1:43:37 PM
Obama’s supporters won’t shut their pile holes until Obama suffers from a humiliating defeat in November. There is only one message for you guys: learn how to listen to the others! No candidate from the far left or the far right can win the election without the support from Independent people like us. I have always voted for Democrat party and it will be my first time, I will vote for John McCain without consideration if Democrat’s candidate is Obama!
Posted by: JKN | May 30, 2008 1:36:02 PM
"I found solice in nursing a pervasive sense of grievancee and animosity against my mother's race"
Barack Hussein Obama from
Dreams of My Father
See he uses the word
" nursing "....
he's cradling this hate
Are we to ignore his own words?
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | May 30, 2008 1:33:59 PM
When Obama is at his rallies and sees all the white women screaming and cheering for him----does he not recall his own words........
"I found solice in nursing a pervasive sense of grievancee and animosity against my mother's race"
Barack Hussein Obama from
Dreams of My Father
I guess all the Money/Donations he got soothes all grievances for him......and Michelle too---how many times during her speeches does she mention how hard they had it.....
I guess 1000.00 dresses soothes all grievances too.
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | May 30, 2008 1:30:49 PM
Does Obama know/interact with anyone who is NOT a hateful slimebag?
Posted by: Karen | May 30, 2008 1:24:58 PM
Good way to know who Obama really is to read his books.
( over 1000 readily availiable used on amazon )
Connect the dots..... it's all there.
Obama has hoodwinked/bamboozled everyone.
"I found solice in nursing a pervasive sense of grievancee and animosity against my mother's race"
Barack Hussein Obama from
Dreams of My Father
Animosity against my Mother's race.....how well this fits with the views of the Black Liberation Theology
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | May 30, 2008 1:23:12 PM
Obama not only condones those hate sermons, but actually encourages them by donating to and supporting that so called church.
Posted by: Mack | May 30, 2008 1:16:12 PM
We may give benefit of doubt to Wright and this new white pastor (who got nearly 250,000$ from obama ) as some oldies who are still stuck in the past.
But The fact and the way in which we saw the entire congregation stand up and clap and laugh and enjoy these demeaning remarks - was despicable. In other words, they all must be doing these gestures whenever spoken from the podium...
My question is, is it possible that when Obama and Michalle and their kids were in the church, they too would stand up and cheer up on such hurrah of sermons ( don't know if they were sermons, but to be polite )
Answer is how can they not? They both are harward graduate, to be politicians - if they do not behoove like all their brothers and sisters, then they would feel the lack of belonging. And no one can stick around for 20 long years - with that kind of feelings.
In other words, they must have rejoiced these hateful sermons equally - as shown in both videos, and we will see many in the future. I would not be surprised if I see Obama and Michalle dancing on this sermons... or may be they are on the podium making them too..
Obama's style of giving speeches very much resonates with these pastors - if you see that with an open eyes....
My final question is - Do we really want this un american in to the white house?
DNC should find someone like Collin Powell to be in the WH instead. Everyone will be more then happy to vote for him, then clintons.
I am neither white nor black... i am brown... And i do not like what i am seeing...
Posted by: Namrep | May 30, 2008 1:13:48 PM
Obama needs to do what's right and "step down" from his position as possible Dem nom. His rhetoric has divided the country Black against White in such a way I have never witnessed in all my days. Had he been a Black American running for president everything would have been fine but his Black African power religion is not what we Americans want or will accept. If he does not step down, most Democrats willtake the issue into their own hands by voting Republican!
Posted by: mary | May 30, 2008 12:43:52 PM
Hillary supporters,
Please send a loud and clear message to DNC, especially Obama's supporters, by not going to vote in November OR vote for John McCain instead if Obama is a nominee. Democrat party can no longer be trusted, if they are willing to promote a candidate who seems to be popular on the surface but shallow within!
Posted by: JKN | May 30, 2008 12:42:43 PM
Obama cannot "distance" himself from the comments of either Rev. Michael Pfleger or Reverend Jeremiah Wright, because neither they nor their comments are the real issue.
Unmistakable evidence of the real issue lies in the video of the audience for both speeches. The approbation for the views expressed is unmistakable in the rounds of applause and standing ovations from the congregation.
There is no denying that these views are representative of the views of not only his long time political cronies, but of the very community with which Obama has chosen to associate himself for twenty years.
For him to now deny the comments, the cronies, or the community from which he comes is nothing more than the same old “say anything to get elected” b.s. that is the very substance of all of politics - old or new.
Worse, this is not merely guilt by association, because if these views really conflicted with his own, he had twenty years to make that fact evident and failed to do so until recently when it became politically expedient.
The real problem for Obama is that these views and his recent denial of them reveal what no politician ever wants revealed - his true positions and lack of character to admit them.
Couple this with a willingness to say anything and throw even his closest allies under the bus to gain power and he is forever branded for what he is – a politician. There is no worse epithet that can be ever applied to anyone. That is the real lack of change that you can believe in.
Posted by: R U Kidding | May 30, 2008 12:34:30 PM
We conducted a survey in our church last week. It was shocking to know that none of Hillary supporters will vote for Obama in November if Hillary gives up the race. There are only two people will go for Obama! I hope this number will be increased day by day. We might not vote for John McCain but will do everything to stop this jerk Obama with his Black bandwagon to the White House!
Posted by: JKN | May 30, 2008 12:26:20 PM
Benita,
I prefer a good fighter as Hillary to Mr. HotAir in an empty suit Obama! Only a dummy would ignore Obama’s tall tales of lies and only idiots like Obama’s supporters would think that he can get away with everything. Pundits in MSNBC can give him a free pass, not us.
Posted by: JKN | May 30, 2008 12:14:39 PM
Seem like there is much more we dont reaaly know about Obama. Aside from his good motivating speech. What is he?
Been with such a polarized priest for over 20 years and not know. Just now to denounce for electability ??
Very dangerous situation we are having here.
Posted by: Deny | May 30, 2008 12:06:55 PM
Bonita, don't you know they're all mind readers? Never mind that she's worked her butt off and exhibited the admirable quality of not giving up when the chips are down, but since THEY CAN READ HER MIND, they can tell you for a fact, it's all about her feeling "entitled" to the hand out of her husbands former office. How can you argue with mind readers? And why even have debates at all, when the good people here can just TELL you what everyone else thinks?
Posted by: MIZjackson | May 30, 2008 12:03:02 PM
Both men were his SPIRITUAL ADVISORS! Once on his campaign staff. Obama runs on superior judgment and unity. Yet, two of his spiritual advisors, friends for over 20 years, spew hate speech from the pulpit teaching children it's okay to be hateful. If you don't have a problem with that fine. Both I view Obama's silence as complicity and agreement.
Posted by: Daniel | May 30, 2008 12:02:44 PM
Entitled is as entitled does. Hillary Clinton is interested only in states (Read votes) that benefit her. Her hysterical supporters seem to forget that "It's the votes, stupid!" And frankly the collective votes- that count- are simply not in her favor. In other words, if the majority had wanted her to win they would have voted for her. But they did not and they voted not (for her). By the way, the majority of Hillary's voting bloc voted for Bush in the last election. So, for those yelling that they will vote for McCain if Hillary does not receive the nomination, it's not like you are Democratic loyalists anyway. So there!
Posted by: Dave | May 30, 2008 11:57:45 AM
And who is the one who really feels entitled? Where's the media coverage of MO complaining about the bar being raised?
Posted by: Ted | May 30, 2008 11:55:53 AM
I THINK OBAMA IS HERE TO CLEANSE THE MESS WHICH GOERGE BUSH CREATED. HE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT WE ALL DREAM OF,,....
Posted by: gani OLA | May 30, 2008 11:54:50 AM
We need to send the letter to a Bishop requesting to remove this crazy Pfleger from the church. As a Catholic, I feel deeply offended to listen to these scraps from this kind of “Father”. If he was invited to my church to have this talk that day, he would never get out of my church without a confrontation!
Posted by: JKN | May 30, 2008 11:53:43 AM
Kelly:
And you profess to know this how? Do you talk to Clinton on a regular basis to hear her speak of her entitlement.
Posted by: Bonita | May 30, 2008 11:53:27 AM
His mocking her was uncalled for but the reason there is so much anger on this thread is because he basically told part of the truth as well. She DID feel entitled, or maybe still DOES feel entitled, that the nomination should be hers, and it isn't. That's where her campaign totally screwed up, thinking they would win no matter what.
Posted by: Kelly | May 30, 2008 11:50:02 AM
As I Catholic I am very embarrassed by this priest's behavior and attitude. I have never, ever seen a priest behave in such a foul manner. I believe in forgiveness, giving someone the benefit of the doubt and giving second chances, however, I have a feeling this is not the first time this priest has shown questionable behavior. The results are not always worth the means. Turning people off from the Catholic Church will be a result of his "means."
Posted by: Jane | May 30, 2008 11:36:09 AM
Lawrence --- It's akin to the old lawyer trick in a trial. The lawyer says something like: "So, when you killed the person..." The other lawyer jumps to his feet and says "OBJECTION!" The first attorney says "Withdrawn". The judge says "sustained and the jury will disregard" The point is that it's out there, and in the juries mind.
Posted by: Phil | May 30, 2008 11:30:57 AM
When people say wrong things, do we excommunicate them from society? Do we blame someone other than the person who said it? If they apologize, do we accept it? Has everyone on earth said wrong or terrible things? When apologize, do want people to forgive us?Some have done worse than saying bad things, some have than really bad things and have not apologized. So thank God for people who is willing to apologize.
Posted by: Lawrence | May 30, 2008 11:27:12 AM
Jack: It this what Hillary was talking about when she spoke of October surprise that would hurt the democrat party chances of winning?
Posted by: Willie | May 30, 2008 11:24:58 AM
Obama chose to spend 20 years listening to Wright, who visited Mumar Kadafi with Louis Farakan. Obama gets endorsements from Farakan, Pfleger, Hugo Chavez, Hamas, Ahmadinajad, Castro ... and, some people still say "Poor Obama is the victim"??? The Clinton's gave service in the White House, which provided our country with peace and prosperity for 8 years. What has Obama and his supporters done for this country??? McCain, was tortured for 5 years defending this country. What has Obama and his supporters done for this country? Pfleger says the whites have a sense of entitlement, but then he says America has to pay the price to people of color, for things that happened 100 years ago ... so, who has the expectation of entitlement??? I say ... elect either Clinton, or McCain for '08 !!!
Posted by: Lee | May 30, 2008 11:22:35 AM
Give it a rest Barack Obama and his wife are a breath of fresh air, Its time like he said for change, it's not about color it's about who will do the job for ALL americans,So all you REAL Racists out there get over it. It just happens to take a black man to make this change at this time in history and Dammit it's about time.
Posted by: Colette Belton | May 30, 2008 11:21:26 AM
"The reverend is a white person. How come you guys now blame a black man for a white man's honesty and courage. The reverend was truthful and honest, I'm a white man and i totally agree with him. I understand the reactions of other white people on this blog, the truth is sometimes very bitter."
UMMMMM...this may be YOUR truth, but it's not mine. Okay so you're saying that Obama being a member of this church where hate mongering goes on is okay? HOw is this okay? This almost looked like a comedy routine. If it were a comedy routine, it might be acceptable. But this was not a comedy routine. This was a man hating on a woman who has done alot for the country, including minorities, women, children, etc, etc....I think it's disgusting. So no, this is not the truth. Nor do I believe Hillary felt ENTITLED to anything. In case you all haven't noticed, HILLARY is a WOMAN. Women could not vote until AFTER black men could vote. Women have been repressed in this country since it began. So to compare Hillary to a white person who feels entitled to anything is not the truth, ITS ABSURD!!! Get a brain folks!! Get off the kool aid. This is crazy. I can see how cults happen now. Just chant the slogan of "change" in front of people and they will follow.
Posted by: Ellie | May 30, 2008 11:15:34 AM
Chgancey............
Look at it this way
1. Clinton is a senator and has never been president.
2. Obama is a senator and has never been president.
3. McCain is a senator and has never been president.
4. Bush has never been a senator but got the job twice something fishy here !!!
Posted by: jg5012 | May 30, 2008 11:02:38 AM
"WOW, you guys are IDIOTS, These are preachers that Obama has ties with, NOT TERRORISTS, Obama was not at the service clapping and chearing, GET over it STOP trying TO find Everything Wrong with the Black Candidate"
Ok, WHO is the IDIOT? These people might as well be terrorists, they are preaching hate messages. Period. Spin it how you want, it's wrong. Dead wrong, and you know it.
Posted by: Ellie | May 30, 2008 11:02:36 AM
We all remember during the Pennsylvania debate Hillary was ask if Obama can win in november and what did she say yes,yes,yes. Fast foward to West Virginia and she courts the so called blue collar vote which in fact is the white vote she says, He cant win he's black I'm white she is truly a flip-flopper.
Posted by: jg5012 | May 30, 2008 10:56:07 AM
We all remember during the Pennsylvania debate Hillary was ask if Obama can win in november and what did she say yes,yes,yes. Fast foward to West Virginia and she courts the so called blue collar vote which in fact is the white vote she says, He cant win he's black I'm white she is truly a flip-flopper.
Posted by: jg5012 | May 30, 2008 10:55:06 AM
Phil, no I am not talking about making a law not to report the news. How is it that some "Sierra Hotel India Tango" like this is even considered news? Showing this type of spiteful rhetoric from all these so call religious leaders and linking them as soul mates with candidates does no one any good! It only destroys their reputations and impose doubt. Why don't they focus more on why we are over in IRAQ under a leader who went to war under false pretense. Now there are thousands of our TROOPS dead, dismangled, disfigured and suffering from PTSD and cannot get the help they need. NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL REPORTING THE NEWS. I bet you probably voted for those WARMONGERING IDIOTS TWICE!
Posted by: Bobjective | May 30, 2008 10:50:36 AM
Obama and his wife are in deep trouble!
They are racists and calling people whitey!
Posted by: Jack | May 30, 2008 10:38:54 AM
Despite the constant lies, weak arguments and divisive rhetoric from the Clinton campaign, most states have voted, and the majority did not want her. Despite help from the Republicans through "Operation Chaos", she is still waaaayyy behind. Most people would have gotten the message by now. So, if that does not reek of self entitlement on her part, what does?
Posted by: Sixth | May 30, 2008 10:38:42 AM
How can you sit in a church and listen to this pulpit for 20 years. YOu tell me that all black churches teaches this kind of crap black theology? Give me a break, this is nothing but a racist church. Now you know here Michelle Obama get her anger and bitter towards white people. Look at her face when she talks. This is not unitying our party more of dividing. Obama is a fraud and his supports are his scam. LOL
Posted by: dt | May 30, 2008 10:38:40 AM
Bobjective --What law are you suggesting? A law making it a crime to report on the news??
Posted by: Phil | May 30, 2008 10:38:38 AM
All I have to say to all the MSM circuits, you have justed destroyed what was once called the DEMOCRATIC PARTY! We as Americans will take whatever you put out there and run with it in the most negative ways. Therefore, I am suggesting that we only have the Bushes and Clintons run against each other from now on because it is there legacy only. No one else is deserving to try running for the job of POTUS; especially any minority. Just think back and reflect on who has been in that position for years. Then we wonder why the U.S. is in the state that it's in today. Everyone that agrees with me should start a petition so this can start a snowball effect to eventually be turned into a LAW!
Posted by: Bobjective | May 30, 2008 10:36:36 AM
I don't see how what he said is racist at all. you can't call a white person whtie anymore? Well at least he didn't call her a honkey! LOL! This isn't even news.
Posted by: Joe | May 30, 2008 10:30:34 AM
I wish you people stop calling Obama a racist because he attends a black church. Many may not be aware that Senator John McCain voted against making Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday in 1983. He later apologized for this vote and claimed it was a mistake. However, he has continued to associate himself with known racists.