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Obama Comments on the Rev. Wright and Rezko
March 14, 2008 9:12 PM
ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: During an interview with MSNBC's Keith Olberman, Sen. Barack Obama confirmed that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright is no longer on the Obama campaign spiritual advisory committee.
When asked if the decision came from the campaign or from Wright, Obama was short on specifics, saying only, "I think there was a recognition that he’s on the verge of retirement, he’s taking a sabbatical and that it was important for him to step out of the spotlight in this situation."
Obama said that the did not know the extent of Wright's controversial comments until recently. He confirmed that he was not in the church when Wright made the comments that were reported this week.
"I wasn't in church during the time that these statement were made," Obama said. "I did not hear such incendiary language myself, personally. Either in conversations with him or when I was in the pew, he always preached the social gospel."
Obama reiterated his condemnation of Wright's remarks, saying it is something he strongly objects to. But Obama stopped short at repudiating the man, Jeremiah Wright, saying he was like an uncle to him.
"I would not repudiate the man," Obama said. "It's like a member of your family that says something that you really disagree with: You don't stop being a member of the family but you have to speak out forcefully on the issue."
He said Wright represents the older generation of African Americas "that came of age in the '60s -- an African American man who because of his life experience continues to have anger and frustration," and that Obama's own generation is different, the generation that benefits from Wright's generation's struggle.
Obama said he knows that this will be used as a political tool into the future -- and hopes the American people will trust his own values.
Obama was pressed further in a subsequent Fox News interview. Obama admitted that he would have quit his church had he witnessed and heard Wright's statements firsthand.
"If I had heard them repeated, I would have quit," he said. "If I thought that was the repeated tenor of the church, then I wouldn’t feel comfortable there."
But in a third interview with CNN, Obama said he will not quit the church now.
"As he's about to retire, I have no intention of leaving the church itself," Obama said.
He argued that the frequency of the statements matter, saying that Wright's most controversial statements were strung together and complied in the media out of hundreds of sermons over the course of his lifetime.
Obama said that he knew of one of two of the controversial statements before this week -- and that he didn't know it was as "problematic" as it has been revealed in the last few days. But what he knew before was not enough to distance himself from the church or Wright at the time.
"I didn't know about all these statements," he said. "I knew about one or two of these statements that had been made. One or two statements would not lead me to distance myself from either my church or my pastor. ... If I had thought that was the tenor or tone on an ongoing basis, then yes, I don't think it would have been reflective of my values."
"My belief was this was something out of the ordinary, and obviously these statements indicate this was happening with more frequency," he added.
On another story swirling this evening, Obama on MSNBC addressed his interview with the Chicago Tribune this afternoon in which the newspaper reported that Tony Rezko played a larger fundraising role for Obama than previously known. The Tribune reported that Rezko has raised as much as $250,000 for Obama.
Obama debunked the "newness" of the information and said, "We talked about the fundraising he has done for my two state races, congressional race as well as a U.S. Senate race. The total amount is the figure they put forward, and is not particularly new or different."
March 14, 2008 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (775)
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Fair enough, Barrack.
Now the Clinton attack team is preparing talking points for the use of surrogates.
C'mon, guys, you're already two news cycles behind!
Posted by: Gorgon '08 | Mar 14, 2008 9:17:25 PM
change and spin and lies and a mean hateful pastor what can you say he will never get elected and he has made a sham of this race.
Posted by: Bishop | Mar 14, 2008 9:20:26 PM
why isn't anybody accusing BO of playing the race card. I am white and I am offended of those remarks. SHAME ON YOU BO, I would be embarassed having an 'uncle' like that. family or no family, I wouldn't attend a church of racist values. People have been saying for a long time this church was not as peace loving as BO spoke of. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME. and I am sure this pastor just didn't end his career on one bad sermon.
Posted by: D | Mar 14, 2008 9:36:01 PM
Well, you hillary folks are not going to budge a bit, are you? Nothing will please you but for the front-runner to just give up and turn over the keys to the White House to Hillary and Bill! Welcome back, Monica!
But don't celebrate just yet.
Obama 2008 -- Yes, We CAN!!!
Posted by: Jackt51 | Mar 14, 2008 9:40:42 PM
I have been seen more and more reason not to trust Obama, and am confounded with the worshipful treatment given him.
I grew up in Chicago. One of the comforting memories from my childhood was the realization that my pastor did not preach AGAINST anyone; he preached acceptance.
Obama's defense of Wright, and his long, close relationship with him is alarming. This is going to be the new leader of the free world, without enough courage and leadership to guide Wright or change churches?
The same legal scholar who "borrowed" without attribution? He keeps making very lame excuses, but nobody minds.
Posted by: Allie | Mar 14, 2008 9:43:18 PM
If Obama fails to QUICKLY distance himself from Black Militants and anti-American extremists, he WILL lose the election. It's that simple.
Posted by: Rhys | Mar 14, 2008 9:46:47 PM
I still don't belive in obama. his campaign one of the kind and can do anything to win a election. Obama campaign has painted anybody who said against obama had painted them racist eg. bill clinton and his comments "fairly tail" and hillary "johnson comments" Barak himself is divisive and his campaign is very good at it and blame on others being divisive. Very good example is when he goes north where white majority lives he talks about his mom who was white and her contribution and when he goes south where black popluation is he talks about his dad and being a black. so who is divisive. Any body says that in lousiana people voted based on race and it is true, they have been painted racist for saying so. I still feel barak is two face guy. Who says something and do something. No wonder NFTA and foreign policy comments of his sr advisors are the good example of it. Now his relation ship with rezko and his pastor. my god what else ? His polical life is not even that long. What will happen if he becomes president and what will he do ? i don't belive in this guy. He is a good speaker but not a good karma. well he steals people line use it in his inspirational speeches and don't even give the credit of stealing words to the people he is stealing from. Media is treating him like a jesus christ what a joke. MSNBC and ABCnews now becoming a big joke by not focusing in issue but focusing in his personality and how much inspirational he is.
Posted by: viren | Mar 14, 2008 9:50:41 PM
Um Rev Wright has been spewing the same message for the entire 20 years Mr. Obama has been a member and financial doner to this church.
Sorry, the I wasn't in church that day line is total horse manure.
Mr Wright visited Khadafi in Lybia with Mr. Farakhan in the late 80's, when Lybia was still targeting US miltary instaltions.
Did Mr Obama not know about that either?????
Posted by: s.b. | Mar 14, 2008 9:55:07 PM
Too late the damage is done.People won`t forget easily especially how the blacks are ready to call others racists but now Pastor Wright(false Prophet)will bring the mighty obama down....Obama can try to distance himself but eventually the free media ride will come to and end..The media tries hard to protect him but ultimately its us the voters who will decide..Obama you will lose..
Posted by: JC | Mar 14, 2008 9:55:13 PM
He has been a member of that church for 20 years. So Sen. Obama is going to have us believe that everytime Wright preaches, Sen. Obama sticks his fingers in his ears and says "la-la-la-la-la".
Posted by: smartprimate | Mar 14, 2008 9:55:33 PM
How unforunate that he just happened to have not been there when his "spiritual advisor" preached that garbage. And what about the other so called "sermons" that he so called preached? Obama was not in those either? Boy! Obama really thinks we're ignorant. Somebody should look into these tapes and check them out real good to see if he is not indeed in them. I knew it would just be some time for the real Obama to come out. Now that he has, he doesn't know what to say to cover his own shady messes. He always beats around the bush with his explanations and all of them carrying lies. I wouldn't doubt it if his buddy Rezco, also gets the world to know that Obama was more involved in his shady dealings than what Obama is letting on. Time to take a seat and see the real Obama be known.
Posted by: rdb | Mar 14, 2008 9:55:51 PM
Obama on Rezko
"The mistake was he had been a contributor and somebody involved in politics," Obama said. Voters, he said, should view it as "a mistake in not seeing the potential conflicts of interest" while also "see[ing] somebody who is not engaged in any wrongdoing ... and who they can trust."
Obama's decision: Obama allow Rezko to raise Money for his campaign even when there was a mistake from Rezko.
Obama on Wright
"... When these statements first came to my attention, it was at the beginning of my presidential campaign..."
Obama's decision: Obama allow Wright to work for campaign even when he was aware of statements.
Obama should have better explaination for above decisions else Obama's judgement on Iraq will be consider as a co-incidence..
Posted by: Humm | Mar 14, 2008 9:58:55 PM
Rev Wright is not going anywhere. He will be out of sight just like sharpton, jackson , rezko, and all the others. If Obama wins i can imaginge them skipping thru the halls of the white house.
Posted by: Carol | Mar 14, 2008 10:00:01 PM
Ah well, I guess he handled it well, I mean compared to Hilliary. At least he isn't blaming it on "some vast left wing conspiracy!!!"
Posted by: cba | Mar 14, 2008 10:00:21 PM
I wrote few weeks ago and this is exactly what my contention was and still is...the more we discover the skeltons in Obama's closet, the more we will come to the conclusion, he is not ready to lead this great country. First Ruzko and now this...a Anti American ranting priest whom he calls his sounding board, his uncle, his spiritual leader...someone he has spent quality time with... I wonder what's next and what all lies will we will get to hear in next few days to control the damage.
Posted by: kavi raj singh | Mar 14, 2008 10:00:35 PM
I wonder if he's aware of anyone else in his campaign that would like to say "GD" to America. He doesn't know who is in his circles. I just wish the people that want to vote for him would just look at the cloud surrounding him. Enough. There is too much. Including his wife who only "now" is proud of her country? Am I missing something here or isn't the President of the United States supposed to be around and with people that love this country!!!
Posted by: JB | Mar 14, 2008 10:01:06 PM
O'bama is a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing who would love to bring this country to his knees just like his preacher said.
Posted by: Will | Mar 14, 2008 10:08:06 PM
Now let see his wife report that she had written in college. If it has this type of tone as their pastor. let see how much they were not listening.
Posted by: suzelee | Mar 14, 2008 10:08:16 PM
Only NOW that the pressure is building Obama FINALLY denounces this sermon! Listening to what his wife and he have said about America, I think Obama is the LAST person on earth that should lead this great country!!!
Posted by: Mark | Mar 14, 2008 10:08:42 PM
It's not God damn America, it's God help America. Sadly, many will support the Rev., and if America elects Obama, the we will get the government we deserve. As I said, God help America.
Posted by: TTILL60 | Mar 14, 2008 10:10:08 PM
He has been a member of Rev. Wright's congregation for 20 years. Is this why he won't wear the American Flag pin on his lapel or hold his hand over his heart when the National Anthem is played?
Posted by: Marvin Keggs | Mar 14, 2008 10:11:24 PM
If Obama claims to not know anything about a man who's been his close personal advisor and spiritual leader for 20 years is saying and doing with the $20,000 a year he gives him, how can Obama be trusted to run a governement???
Posted by: s.b. | Mar 14, 2008 10:12:47 PM
TOTAL DENIAL MR. OBAMA....WAY TO GO ON YOUR CHANGE AND HOPE...
Posted by: MARINE4EVER | Mar 14, 2008 10:14:30 PM
And that it folks. Its all out there and it is nothing. Obama comes clean on all of his bad associations and there we are. This is good politics on his behalf. Try to keep this in the news if you want, but it will be gone soon. Wright kills the Muslim thing, Obama denounces Wright and reveals all of the Rezko association in a single day. So what else have you got Mrs. Clinton? And sorry John, for blowing so soon, but its gone now.
Posted by: Jim B | Mar 14, 2008 10:15:16 PM
Obama stated that he did not know this was going on in his church....please. I will never vote for him. I will stay at home and switch party before I vote for him.
Posted by: whitedd | Mar 14, 2008 10:15:50 PM
Why are Americans so scared of opposing views? They are a nation filled with historical hatred and they want to propogate their views to the rest of the world.
I don't think, if American school curriculum contain an iota of other great civilisations. Just see how racist they are, the white are calling obama to be black, while he's half white. folks use your common sense.
Posted by: nash | Mar 14, 2008 10:16:04 PM
Personally, Senator Barack Obama is more honorable a man because of the comments he made. Some of you may be willing to throw your family to the wolves, but to Senator Obama, his relationships are more important to him, and that is how he treats people, he doesn't just throw them out with the bath water. Barack is a man of honor and principles. It is just too bad you cannot see that.
Posted by: Dana T. | Mar 14, 2008 10:16:08 PM
The article states:
"Obama said that the did not know the extent of Wright's controversial comments until recently. He confirmed that he was not in the church when Wright made the comments that were reported this week."
The article states:
"Obama said he never personally heard Wright preach the statements at the center of the controversy, but he first learned of them when he launched his presidential campaign."
Riiight. In the 20 years Obama was a member of this "church," the only things he heard preached were fellowship and goodwill. These Farrakhan-esque remarks were nothing more than an aberration, an isolated episode wherein the good reverend lost his train of thoughts. That's all. Merely an unfortunate misunderstanding. Riiight.
Really now. I'm sure that after announcing the "condemnation" of the remarks uttered by his old pastor and dear friend, Obama then got on the phone to his old pastor and dear friend and privately expressed his unwavering loyalty. It was likely another "I wouldn't worry about it too much" moment, just like with the Canadians and the NAFTA statements.
Posted by: Johnny Q | Mar 14, 2008 10:16:56 PM
Obama has been forced to Spin SPin SPIN
SEE IT, HEAR IT, NOW SMELL IT
IT STINKS
Posted by: anita | Mar 14, 2008 10:17:14 PM
Obama continues to prove he has class and perception. I am very hopeful for his success in leading the US out of the current morass of problems.
Posted by: vmcgreen | Mar 14, 2008 10:17:20 PM
Ok...Let's all sing together..."Turn out the lights...the party's over" .....
Posted by: Dave Crandall | Mar 14, 2008 10:17:32 PM
How stupid does he think we are?
Posted by: mamatuffy | Mar 14, 2008 10:17:59 PM
Whoops, the second quote I accidentally pasted from an article on a different news organization's website. Ain't multiple browser windows wonderful! Sorry for the mix-up.
Posted by: Johnny Q | Mar 14, 2008 10:19:27 PM
Geez, Obama has been going to this church for 20 years and it took a news organization to purchase tapes of the speeches to open his eyes to the teachings of his pastor. Yah, that seems logical to me.
Posted by: jeff | Mar 14, 2008 10:19:52 PM
How stupid is this Rev. Wright? Any one who knows anything about scripture, knows this guy doesn't know what he is talking about. It is people like this who keep the racial problems active, instead of trying to overcome and heal with the power of GOD!
I agree with most of the others when they see Obama trying to shift gears every time a problem arise. He will say anything to avoid it. Isn't it interesting how the Rev. Wright is no longer on the Obama team?
Posted by: Kim | Mar 14, 2008 10:20:37 PM
Does Obama every speak to people in his church? Even if I missed a few weeks of my church and the pastor was saying such hateful things I would hear about it through the grapevine. I don't buy his explanation for one minute.
Posted by: Jim | Mar 14, 2008 10:25:05 PM
Obama has been forced to Spin SPin SPIN
SEE IT, HEAR IT, NOW SMELL IT
IT STINKS
Posted by: anita | Mar 14, 2008 10:25:25 PM
Of course he knew the nature of the good reverend's preachings and hate speech. How stupid does he think we are? Pretty stupid, I guess. When it comes the the Obamatomatons, stupid is as stupid does; they would doubtless still support him if evidence came out that he was in league with Bin Laden.
Really, this "pastor" and close friend and advisor, of whom Obama has been a parishioner for 20 years, is pretty much a Louis Farrakhan carbon-copy, and Obama is a card-carrying member of his "flock." Disgusting hate-inducing scumbag, calling himself a "reverend."
Bigotry, hatred, and insanity are alive and well and thriving in Obama's church.
Posted by: Johnny Q | Mar 14, 2008 10:25:35 PM
I am so sad. Rev Wright's words were said in a house of God. Even if just once, that was too much. But it was multiple occasions. I don't care about the hours and hours of sermons of love and Jesus and God. And the congregation was cheering! They were cheeting at hateful words in a house of God. This is much bigger than whether BO wins the nomination. This just hurled out country back decades. Was I really so naive - truly, I could not in my wildest dreams imagined any pastor in any church preaching such divisive and hateful thoughts.
Posted by: KayKayBee | Mar 14, 2008 10:26:15 PM
It is well for Senator Obama and his handlers to finally distance the campaign - and the Senator - from Reverend Wright. The Reverend's lifelong racist rantings would absolutely have sunk the Obama campaign.
I believe Senator Obama has properly and adequately dealt with this issue. The story should now cover the bottom of voters' bird cages.
Let's move on, hold the Clinton campaign accountable for their misrepresentations of her alleged "experience" and "accomplishments" over the past 35 years. I supported Senator Clinton until I watched her chameleon-like performances. Senator Obama is certainly not the answer for 2008 and beyond.
And, don't get me started on the concept of Senator McCain as president of our country. What a disaster that would be, domestically and globally!
Posted by: saftgek | Mar 14, 2008 10:27:18 PM
I think barack obama is a fake. I always have. This just proves it. I have had a bad feeling about him for a while now. I have been waiting for something to come out about him.
I find it hard to believe that after going to this church and supporting this pastor for 20 years, he just happened to not be there every time this pastor said something worong. How dare he defend a pator that said such terrible things about america. America, the country he wants to be the president of. The country in which he is trying to run. I think it is a disgrace. And this is supposed to be a 'supposed' christian church. After taking the word bless out of the 'God Bless America' doesnt sound christian does it? Him not wearing the american falg and his wife not liking america.. now we know why. I am watching as i am typing this this pastor saying horrible rascist things. While this pastor was saying this he was campaioni ng for barack obama. In this video, after saying racsist things, he goes after hilary clinton and says how he wants barack to be president because hilary clinton was never called the 'n' word. So apparently barack abama MUST have heard that one. After watching Fox news and Anderson 360 barack was answering questions with phrases with the same exact words. So again he is not speaking with his heart, he is speaking out of words on a paper, written for him to read. So i ask everyone who supports him, he represent change, but what kind of change? the worng kind of change? I think so.
Posted by: Desiree | Mar 14, 2008 10:27:50 PM
This is it folks. This is your campaign. A crazy pastor and a bad neighbor is all you've got. There is no wrongdoing, no statements and no actions by the candidate. This is it. Go for it.
Posted by: Jim B | Mar 14, 2008 10:27:56 PM
Obama has been the one candidate who has been consistent, and on track. He is weathering this pseudo-storm like a true pro. Now let's get back to the REAL issues. I happen to find that Obama's positions coincide about 98% with mine. That's better than I ever asked for out of any presidential candidate I've voted for, and in my many years I've voted for both Democrats and Republicans. Finally we have the candidate with the best ideas and the best credentials to uphold the constitution. He retains my vote, and his stature increased, not decreased, with this latest news cycle.
Posted by: malthusian77 | Mar 14, 2008 10:28:18 PM
I heard Obama say that he goes to church every Sunday --- but I guess he missed the Sunday when all of the "damn America" sermon was given. No one in his church ever spoke to him about it. His wife missed that sermon too. None of her friends told her her about it. No one in the entire church discussed this with Obama or his wife at any time. He knows nothing about his pastor's outspoken views hating America. He knows nothing about Rezko's criminal past. He never asked Rezko how he made so much money to buy that mansion that he visited many times. No one at his law firm when they were working on the case involving Rezko ever talked to Obama and explain anything about Rezko. No advisor or people on his staff while Senator never discussed the Rezko issue with him. He is totally in the dark about these matters. He said he took no favors from ---what do you call buying the his house at a huge discount with Rezko's help and having Rezko buy the expensive adjacent lot because he did not have enough money. That is not a favor but something else. I seen no change in this man except deception and the ability to not answer any questions clearly but just offer up what the public wants to hear even if it does not make any sense.
Posted by: Anne | Mar 14, 2008 10:29:43 PM
Where is child welfare services? Any parent who would bring a child to hear that deranged pastor should be investigated to determine if they are fit to be a parent.
Posted by: jackie | Mar 14, 2008 10:30:23 PM
Here! Here! to GuyFawkes!!! I absolutely agree with everything you said -- AND
to paraphrase Geraldine Ferraro, the only reason he gets away with this (to the extent he does) is that he's a black Democrat.
Can you imagine the cries of RACISM if he were white? or worse... if he were a white Republican??
Posted by: stljim | Mar 14, 2008 10:30:31 PM
If HRC puts OB on her ticket,she won't get my vote, no way jose.
Posted by: David | Mar 14, 2008 10:32:12 PM
My dad is a Limbaugh-like republican, with whom I often disagree to the extent that Obama disagrees with his retiring pastor. But I still love my dad, and I can see how Obama still appreciates the good in his pastor, which has escaped the news media. Obama has been quite vocal in disavowing his pastor's unacceptable views. I would have been less vocal repudiating my dad, but then again, I'm not running for president.
Posted by: malthusian77 | Mar 14, 2008 10:34:13 PM
Can we say that if analysis od these tapes show an image of Obama, or if financial records show that Obama wrote checks to the church, would that demonstrate that he is not being straight with America?
I for one have concluded that Obama knew about his pastor's sermons and views all along. He was just hoping that as long as the public did not know, they would continue to keep it a secret until the election is over.
Of course he is distancing himself now because he knows how damaging this story is. His achilles hill though is that he is going to be caught in a lie for denying not being in the pews while these sermons are being delivered.
Posted by: SO | Mar 14, 2008 10:34:33 PM
Freedom of Speech, he can have all the freedom of speech he wants; no one is crying for his arrest. But Obama will have to answer for the "freedom of speech" exercised by his pastor of 20 years. The truth about your "savior" is coming out, and it stinks worse than excrement.
Posted by: Johnny Q | Mar 14, 2008 10:34:33 PM
I don't believe Obama. He dedicated a large credit and admiration in his book to this Pastor. The Obamedia has blindly ignored his relationships, but somehow there were a few left awake.
OBAMA IS SCARY ......REZCO, PASTO. FARAKA.. or how ever you spell it. The past drug use, his friendship with a guy who is arested for wanting to blow up US. The is insane that people are saying this is ok and it's misunderstood.
Clearly Obama knows this man and his views, yet he has his devotion for this man. and the views of the anti white church.
Obama silences everyone now he is being discovered. FINALY
Posted by: AWAKE IN CALIFORNIA | Mar 14, 2008 10:34:55 PM
Rev Wright has had his fifteen minutes of fame.Posing with Obama--big smile on his face,arm on his shoulder.He can now go forward and demand big bucks in enterviews for his opions on Obama.Texan
Posted by: carolyn | Mar 14, 2008 10:35:12 PM
Obama says he never knew about these comments. Following his interview tonight on CNN, David Gergen - always a thoughtful, reasonable person indicated that for now we need to take him at his word. It looked however that all the panelists had difficulty accepting that he didn't know this man's beliefs. As a mom, I felt that heavy feeling I get when I catch one of my kids in a lie.
Posted by: twinmom48 | Mar 14, 2008 10:37:14 PM
The good news is that the new pastor of the church is no different than Racist Wright. He was "hand" picked. Glad to hear that the Obama's are looking forward to this.
Posted by: Jerry | Mar 14, 2008 10:37:20 PM
plrdar: This shows Obama knew how his pastor's think.
Posted by: whitedd | Mar 14, 2008 10:38:11 PM
to allie:
"If Obama fails to QUICKLY distance himself from Black Militants and anti-American extremists, he WILL lose the election. It's that simple."
He has done this over and over again. Do you not read the news, including the article on which you are commenting?
Posted by: malthusian77 | Mar 14, 2008 10:39:56 PM
I always wondered why Michelle Obama seemed surprised that she was in trouble for her comments on not being proud of her country. At least now I understand that she has been brainwashed with hatred for the last twenty years. I think 4-5 years of intense therapy should cure her.
Posted by: Jim | Mar 14, 2008 10:41:49 PM
Obama knows that the college students will believe anything he says. Even the far left as well as media outlet like MSNBC, NBC, CNN, and NPR believe everything Obama says and are willing to give him cover over these matters.
The problem is the rest of America is not that stupid, or are we?
Posted by: SO1 | Mar 14, 2008 10:43:53 PM
Spoiled fruit. You can't be exposed to that stuff week after week, month after month, year after year without internalizing some of it. No lapel pin and being indignate about it. His wife's comments. On and on. This isn't good. Y'all listen. Barrack will lead the delegate race going to the convention but the superdelegates will go with Hillary. This will alienate us blacks and put the old dude into the white house. Riots at the Democratic convention. We haven't come far from the 60's.
Posted by: Tyrell | Mar 14, 2008 10:45:55 PM
Why did Obama allow his children to attend Rev. Wright's church the last twenty years if he did not agree with his Pastor's racist and Anti American sermons?
Posted by: think | Mar 14, 2008 10:46:13 PM
America does not need change.
America sorely needs COMPETENCE.
As for Obama and his Priest, this goes way beyond the Ferraro and Clinton fiasco and is even more disturbing.
The Press have been so in love with Obama and nearly forgot about providing intelligent and insightful coverage - not just on Obama but the rest.
If voters wish to make as close as possible an educated decision on who they vote for their next President, it would be highly beneficial to reveal the "warts and all" of Obama et al, and not just the Clinton and Mc Cain camps.
I would rather know as much as possible about Obama and the way he behaves - not just in front of the camera and before a crowd of Obama fans - before deciding whether to vote for him.
This situation though - Obama and the Priest - makes me seriously consider the "judgenment" of Obama and his vocal desire to bring Americans together and destroy racism etc etc. Particularly when this Priest has been part of his life and so close to his family, for decades long.
I am sure Obama was free to walk away from this church and the Priest if he truly found the Priests' views offensive, but he didn't did he?! Except now. Now that the church and Priest have been given closer attention.
When another nation tries to attack the USA in the future and ridicules the USA and its' people - black, white, pink, or yellow with purple polka dots, is Obama as President simply going to sit back for years and take the hits and attacks?
Posted by: blogging queen | Mar 14, 2008 10:46:27 PM
Obama…..Here is someone who’s….Mother was a commune-living hippie searching for Shangri La, who flitted between husbands and father-figures for a young Barack. His childhood mentor, Frank Marshall Davis, was a certified member of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), and introduced him to Marxist literature at a young age. His pastor gives sermons about his hatred for a racist America, who are responsible for all the ills in the world. His wife declares that the first time she was ever proud of America is when they started voting for her husband for President. Her doctoral thesis was an American-bashing lament of the racism of America. As an Illinois legislator, he personally helped block legislation that called for a ban on infanticide after an abortion attempt resulted in a live birth. THIS GUY is supposed to have “excellent decision making” capabilities??? Can we trust THIS GUY to lead America???
Posted by: Mark | Mar 14, 2008 10:47:22 PM
Maybe I need to find another church as well. I attend a non-denominational church where my pastor preaches against homosexuality, is pro-life and a republican. I don't agree with many of his political views, but I respect his knowledge of the bible and respect him as a man of God. Senators Obama, Clinton, and McCain all have the right to chose where to attend church just like the rest of us WITHOUT explaination. By the way, who is Senator Clintons pastor? Let's examine his/her sermons.
Posted by: Ann White | Mar 14, 2008 10:47:31 PM
Obama has no judgement (certainly not enough to be leader of the free world) if he thinks Americans are going to believe him. Thanks ABC for being the only major news outlet that is telling the story!
Posted by: Diane | Mar 14, 2008 10:47:56 PM
Watching the video raised a few additional questions for me. Why were the people in the background slapping the pastor on the back? Truthfully it looked like a congregation possessed by some demon spirit.
Posted by: steve | Mar 14, 2008 10:48:22 PM
i bet most of the obama people are still for obama--because they know that he is not perfect or responsible for everyone that he personally "knows" on earth's opinion--neither is Hillary or McCain for that matter.
Use your wits folks and vote for someone that singlehandly has managed to at least try to have an inclusive party.
Everything they throw at Obama is about his "affiliations" -- come on--Hillary is still "affilated" with a lying, cheating-in-the-white house prez on our dollar husband, that wants us to just "forget about monicagate" and let them back in--come on.
if you have foregiven that--what the heck is this goofey old preacher--NOTHING!!!
Posted by: Faye G | Mar 14, 2008 10:49:11 PM
He has been a member of Rev. Wright's congregation for 20 years. Is this why he won't wear the American Flag pin on his lapel or hold his hand over his heart when the National Anthem is played?
Posted by: BBB1961 | Mar 14, 2008 10:50:50 PM
Appeasethis - neither Fallwell nor Robertson would ever become president. How can you defend that sort of thing? I want a black man for president too - we are overdue. But we can't just turn a cheek to this stuff. We need the best candidate for the job as the most powerful person on the planet. We can't just pretend all of this stuff didn't happen. Obama is a great speaker but this it too much.
Posted by: Ramon | Mar 14, 2008 10:51:12 PM
Watching O'Reilly and Hannity in the Fox news disgusted me before because of their rightst stand; now I am eager and interested to hear their views because of Obama's far left allies and his portential to become a president which I dreaded to think. I want those two hardline republicans to say something to make Aemrica stop their illusions about Obama.
Posted by: ds | Mar 14, 2008 10:51:42 PM
Ahhh...and its only just begun. Wait till the weather underground terrorists controversy erupts...Obama made some bad decisions who he's associated himself with. This has just cost him the presidency. Too bad people didn't ask the right questions and just fell off the bridge one by one mesmerized by the "Change" and "Yes we can" bumper sticker rhetoric.
Posted by: Eva | Mar 14, 2008 10:52:19 PM
In the absence of a substantive record and Obama's unwillingness or inability to reveal his true character, it's left to us to judge him by the company he keeps. His ties to Rezcko who is so corrupt and who exploited poor people and now the ugly, separatist beliefs of his pastor tell me he's not equipped to be president.
I'm concerned though that ours is such a secular society that many Obama supporters will not see how grave his unwillingness to truly distance himself from Wright is. I hope they can at least understand that his candidacy is doomed.
Posted by: twinmom48 | Mar 14, 2008 10:52:35 PM
God dam America is pretty inflammatory and speaks to deep feelings of anger, this is true. But where problem in denouncing America for it's "treatment of Black Americans", or "treating our citizens as less than human," comments about our South African, Palestinians policies do not concern racism. Is anyone who questions our government a racist? Would the comments be considered racist if the Minister were White?
Posted by: donottrusthillary | Mar 14, 2008 10:53:17 PM
This is not about race or color. People are afraid to say something for fear of the race card.
IT's about a very scary scenario we all know whats going on and are having a hard time stoping it because he disguises his mission as one of "Hope"
His best friend, advisor and mentor says G D America. How could he not know? He has BAD judgement or he LIES.
His wife was not proud to be American. He did not want to run for President but was talked into it.
It is because the Media and his speach telepromters.
FREAKY SCARY that he got this far.
Anyone who can see this and be ok with it, is fooling themselves.
I feel sorry for them.
But they will have health insurance and Hillary will provide and protect.
Posted by: Please God Help Keep the Media AWAKE. | Mar 14, 2008 10:53:22 PM
Tyrell....plus his wife's doctoral thesis on American-bashing lament of the racism of America which is under locked and Keyed.
Posted by: whitedd | Mar 14, 2008 10:53:56 PM
A vote for Barack Obahma is a vote to destroy everything that has ever made this Country great. Many courageous individuals have given their lives in defense of this country and in defense of the rights of all people (regardless of their color or ethnicity). No..No...
Mr Wright...GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! and GOD HELP US!!!
Posted by: Heather Moore | Mar 14, 2008 10:54:02 PM
Jeremiah Wright is obviously of mixed heritage and an intelligent man with years of experience in America, so obviously he knows that of which he speaks.
Write is also a former Marine of the 'few good men', so he most likely has the courage of his conviction. lol
Nevertheless, some truths aren't worth saying; because they are more likely to cause polarization when some people can't handle the truth or don't want to hand the truth.
Barack Obama has tried to avoid a polarizing politics; because he's astute enough to know that partisan and other forms of polarization are at the heart of the nation's inability to solved its mounting problems, at home and abroad.
Even though they are MERE WORDS with not intrinsic power and although it is surprisingly ironic that citizens of a powerful nation allow themselves tgo be floored by mere words, statements that have the effect of polarization helps no one, and certainly not help the nation we hope to move forward.
Posted by: New Yorker | Mar 14, 2008 10:54:07 PM
Wright is a false prophet. He is no better then the KKK. He is like the terrorist who brain wash their children. He is brain washing his congrgation. To think that our next president can be someone from this man's congregation and for 20 years. I want someone that loves America to run this country and to listen to that man knock our country and the people in it scares me to think Obama would let his children listen to such garbage. DO YOU THINK HE IS GOING TO CARE ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN IF HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT HIS OWN. OBAMA DOESN'T REALIZE THIS IS NOT A MAN OF GOD AND HE WANTS TO RUN OUR COUNTRY. THINK AMERICA IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT COLOR WE ARE WE ARE AMERICAN....
Posted by: a real christian | Mar 14, 2008 10:55:17 PM
Appeasethis ---- Your comparisons make no sense...they do not compare at all. Obviously you are biased.
Posted by: Mark | Mar 14, 2008 10:55:28 PM
Obama is running for President of the country. We have every right to assess his entire views and background before we elect him President. I don't know anything in the Constitution that forbids the voter from considering anything relative to a candidate for President. He has attended that church for over 20 years. It would be irresponsible to ignore that when you consider the views of his pastor.
Posted by: strangelove | Mar 14, 2008 10:55:31 PM
Faye, that "goofy" old preacher is Obama's mentor as he proclaimed...this doesn't have an impact for you??? Wow, talk about looking the other way to a potentially very dangerous situation that can put our country and unity in jeopardy.
Posted by: Eva | Mar 14, 2008 10:5



