I guess I will keep making this point over and over again in the hopes that one well meaning voter will read it:

Senator Obama said he had not heard the comments by Rev. Wright that were being played in the media. He DID NOT say that he had NEVER heard Rev. Wright say other controversial things.

Now that we know Obama is aware of the racial disparities in the world, why doesn't he sit Rev. Wright down and tell him to man up and take the first step and try to unite black and white relationships.  Instead of spewing hate speech...Wright should use his pulpit to create loving speech.  If no one gets over the differences in race and the struggles..then how are we supposed to change.  I know I have left the church with great opposition from my family, because the church doesn't follow the rule..treat people the way you want to be treated.  I am only 24 and I have many friends who are not like me..so I don't want to be part of something that doesn't want to accept the fact that we now live in a world where the person next to you most likely won't look anything like you.  Its not the 50s and 60s anymore.  

Jo Lynn Boggan said: "Although it was an excellent speech on race, well written and well delivered, it did little to address Mr. Obama's tolerance of Jeremiah Wright and basically made excuses for this very bad behavior."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

When did Obama try to excuse it? He outright said it was wrong, he denounced it, condemned it, and disagreed with it... how does ANY of that sound like an "excuse"? What he did try to do, was explain where it came from, but not excuse it. There is a difference.


Jo Lynn Boggan said: "Over the weekend, Barack said he was never present when such comments were made, now he is saying he was."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You are 100% wrong. Obama said he had never heard Wright say anything that was in those video clips floating around. But he NEVER said that he hadn't ever heard the man say something controversial though. There is a difference between a statement that is just controversial, and one that is hateful. And he even expressed that difference, for those who were paying attention...
<em>
"Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered CONTROVERSIAL while I sat in church? Yes."
"...BUT the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm WEREN'T SIMPLY CONTROVERSIAL. They weren't simply a religious leader's effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country - a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam."</em>

He clearly explains what it is that makes the comments in question different from those that he has heard in the past. Listen or read the entire speech before yapping about "inconsistencies" that aren't even there.

I'm sorry Mr. Gregory Peek, Obama has played the race card from the start. Oprah made him the black candidate and so did hoards of people.

The thing is, Hilary's campaign don't really focus on gender. She doesn't feel the need to defend or explain it. She's out there talking about her plans, her ideas, her know how about the issues. Which truly should be the focus in these elections. No matter what color is your skin or gender you belong.

The more I listen to this race issue, the more I'm inclined to say Obama's camp is the racist really.

Why so much hatred in Wright and his organization? Shouldn't churches be preaching forgiveness and love?
Isn't that what Christianity is all about?
Why on earth should politics be discussed in the pulpit? On top of that, Obama sat there for 20 years and did nothing to correct that.

His relationship with this man Wright is disturbing and will definitely influence him. Sounds familiar? Yes, that was Bush 8 years ago!

Now if only MSNBC would post this.

Sally,Ventura - I have to agree with you.

It's almost a smoke screen, a diversion from responding to the real issue, the question about contradictions in his statements.

People are talking about race rather than the response to the question. Yes, I find it disturbing that a man like Wright could have access to the White House and influence a leader in his decision making.

Personally, I do not beleieve he accomplished anything. He did not address the issue concerning his pastor. By not disowning the man he accepts the man and his views. His church is no different than the muslims in mosques who preach the same hate
Typical liberal, beating around the bush and not confronting the issues. 20years of preaching hate, eventually rubs off on anyone . Will all the liberal bias media ever confront him with direct questions of faith and  his real association with this church and other radical groups?
One issue that has not been addressed. Using a church and professing their faith in Jesus then preaching hate. Another tactic of liberals and non true believers in Jesus. Professing, then doing and saying the opposite. This is and never has been a church of christan beliefs. Similar, to Rev. Al and Rev. Jesse claiming a title ,yet their actions only favor black agendas.
In the bible there were a group of people who came to Jesus and stated. WE cast out demons in your name, we heal the sick in your name we preach in your name. Jesus replied, be gone I know thee know,  Same then as now.

j fl: Calling Obama supporters "Mindless, drooling, eyes glazed, chanting, fools" says a lot about YOU.
What are YOUR issues? Unhappy childhood? Hate your mother? You need careful analysis followed up by the appropriate treatment. Please seek help!

His campaign issued statements saying he did not hear the July 22nd speech- the one broadcast on youtube- the one that everyone has been talking about.  In his speech on Tuesday he said he has heard Wright give inflammatory speeches before, and that he disagrees with them.

I find it rather amusing that people still seem to conflate the two as being a contradiction, when it's obviously clear that having heard inflammatory speeches and having heard the July 22nd speech are two entirely different things.

Sure, blame him for having heard the Wright speeches without having confronted Wright about them, but people are being incredibly disingenuous in trying to call out the supposed contradiction.

Reading over the comments, I see no one is objective, nor should they be.  We are all products of our perceptions and experiences, but in the end, we all have only one vote.

The question is, are Democrats willing to stake their Presidential ambitions on a man reluctant to separate himself from an outspoken "Hater"? And more importantly, will the cheering throngs still flock to a man now reduced to a defense position?

When Senator Obama referred to the "anger" issue yesterday, I think he might have been talking about j fl who posts such ugly, negative thoughts EVERY day. Between him, patty, sd, campdog, and the guy hiding behind John Doe, Obama is even including YOU in his vision of a new america, where people can actually have a discussion on the real issues facing our country without all these negative undertones.
And to Kate Olson above....welcome aboard! You've been hit by the inspiration many of us have when it comes to Senator Obama. He truly is the man we need in the White House come Nov. Thank you for recognizing that!

I agree with Sally from Ventura. I thought he was different and no I know he isn't. Defending racism of any kind disturbs me. I thought Obama trancended the racial issue, but now I know that he uses it when it suits him. I wasn't there, I was there. I don't agree but i love the man, whatever he says. This is good judgement? I will really consider McCain in a way I hadn't before. To disagree with Obama is to be called racist.

I don't believe His speach did a thing.
If it were me, and I sat in church (a place where the pastor or leader is or should be teaching love and forgiveness) I would get up and walk out. I would not support the preachings of a pastor or any leader who spoke in such a way to put down the very people and country who have been fighting for years to help pave the way. I'm sorry the black people would not have had the opertunities they do if not for Past presidents and white who wanted fairness. Now where are we? Defending our own rights...
The comments on forgiveness and understanding when and where he grew up don't pass! He asks us to be understanding of his pastor, who apparently does not do the same. He talks of things that happened over past years and won't forgive or understand and we NOW are supposed to understand him?! A man who is supposed to be teaching forgiveness and he himself has NOT...
So for our potential PRESIDENT to support him is asking for trouble. Look at the history of our presidents. They have all utilized the pastor or preacher as guides. IS THIS THE GUIDE WE WANT RUNNING OUR COUNTRY?! I THINK NOT***************

In comparing his preacher to his grandmother...
well I had disagreements with mine on subjects, she is family and I would never dis-respect her, but I would not publicly support her if I disagreed and Obama by continuing to use the pastors services and attend his church and preachings IS supporting his preachings and BELIEFS.

Some of these comments shows just what is wrong in America. Instead of standing up and acknowledging that the time is right for us to do something great together; some feel it's better to put their foot in their mouth and take us backwards. If you cannot see the importance and good in this speech be you a democrat, republican, independent, american, immigrant, resident alien, then more than likely you are not someone who would accept progress or Obama anyways.

Yesterday, after Barack Obama's historic speech/message, was a day to pause and think about racial lines within your own personal life.  Really take the time to look over your family history and the part your family has played in keeping OUR country devided.  That means all AMERICANS...take the time to remember.  If you happen to realize on this day that YOU had a part in DIVISION....say to yourself "NOT THIS TIME."  Get up from your seat and make a change in yourself and STOP blaming OTHERS!

Barack Obamas speech[I use his fullname out of respect for him]. He is the best  person for the job of President. My opinion of him has not changed since the start of his campaign. Hillary how low can you go. Just goes to show We have an honest man in the race, and a very dishonest woman. Check past statements of hers. Not that it is important, I am a 64 year white women imagine that

People! Keep your eyes on the prize! Do not let yourselves be fooled and distracted by the convenience of this "Race Issue" that has taken a life of it's own. We are all Americans and must work together to get our own house back in order by getting rid of the scum that now soils our  politics and this current administration.

Obama 08

Personally the speech sounded good, but what did it do.. really. Like other people have commented already, he tried to explain away Wrights rantings (opinions) while making sure to point out that his grandmother supposedly made racial comments that made his skin crawl. Not that I approve of either behavior, but I agree that Wrights rantings are NO DIFFERENT than those that might come from someone in the KKK. Both are ignorant and Extemely destructive. Yes, there were bad people that treated other human beings badly...used them as slaves and treated them as less than human. Those facts (as a white American) I do not argue. But how far is far enough or how far is too far. I have to admit to being very tired of having to be UNDERSTANDING to every African-Americans rantings of hatred and anger. So years ago to help HEAL or make up for the sins of the past there came BET, United Negro College Fund, Affirmative Action...and more.  And yet, that still isn't ENOUGH. When is the healing suppose to start...with Rantings like Wright? These aren't old comments made so long ago that they don't count. When do they as African-Americans stop using these old wounds as a crutch and an excuse for bad behavior.  I refuse to continue to take any blame.

Any type of therapy will tell people that the only true way to heal, is to start with forgiveness. Not that you have to continue to let people treat you badly, but a forgiveness so that you can let go of the anger and the pain. How do we do the with people like Wright, ranting and encouraging the DAMNING of America. In a Church of all places...make me wonder about the phrase "What Would Jesus Do"? When can we expect to see?  Maybe I'm just getting to tired to care.  It never seems enough...and if I don't keep doing more and more and more then I must be a Racist...that in itself if so flustrating.  

Maybe they need to stop and take a look at where We (as a divided, hurt and wounded country) are and they at this point need to take just as much blame as anyone else.  

Take responsibility for your own actions and words.. No Excuses.

Honestly, why is this Rev. Wright thing even an issue?  McCain is actively seeking endorsements from divisive religious leaders who have shown their stripes through their whole careers.  So Rev. Wright has said some things that are inflamatory for the US population as a whole to hear.  He wasn't saying those things to everyone, where ears virgin to those sentiments would find them upsetting, he was saying them to an audience that sometimes felt that way and wanted to know that others felt that way too.

I think Obama did a great job letting us know that the most inflamatory things that Rev. Wright said are not beliefs he feels nor are they the reasons that he attended that church.  I don't agree with my preacher's view on some issues but that hasn't stopped me from going back.

The thing that I'm afraid of is that those people who were looking for a chink in Obama's armor think they have found it and have now turned off to him.  No matter what they are told or shown of what Obama actually belives, they won't listen and point back to Rev. Wright and say that Obama hates whites and hates America.  When really the most honest, forthright, scandal-free politician in generations is standing before us asking us to vote for him.

Please Wake Up America.  Let us turn the page by voting for Obama.

Is there anyway to get rid of people who are close-minded and don't think for themselves?  

It is getting hard to read through these threads with all of the conservatives and Hillary people spewing out talking points and making judgements on speeches without thinking through everything that was said.  It will be sorry to see us loose this opportunity to move our country back to where thought, reason, and justice are the rule not the exception.  I thought that Hillary could be that person as well as Obama, but she seems stuck in the old politics and her supporters even more.

Just like Obama said, we need to say "Not This Time"

This is the Media's fault, period. Right now we have people like Path Buchanan, Rush Limbaugh, etc., whom it might well suit a song called "I had the time of my life", and now it's up to the media and within the media, to clean this mess. Specially MSNBC, CNN etc., ought to stop this, as Hillary Clinton awfully said "Kitchen Sink Strategy", that by the way, was invented by republicans and both Clintons...!

Any politician who was willing to do anything to win the election would have stood up there yesterday and said "I disown my pastor and my church". However, that is what sets Obama apart from Hillary and McCain, he may not always do the "safe" thing or the thing all of his advisors tell him will help him win the election, instead he does the right thing whatever the consequences. I commend him for not disowning his pastor. We have no idea what the other thousands of sermons he gave in his career were like, we have no idea what the community of that church meant to the Obama's, we have no what the church as a whole has meant to Barack....to ask him to disown it all completely because you heard 60 seconds of his pastor's sermons that were offensive, is unfair.

I don't think Barack is "over" by a long shot, if anything he has reaffirmed why so many of us believed in him from the beginning. He is changing the way poltics and elections are played, he is refusing to let this process corrupt him, and he isn't willing to get down in the mud or change who he is in order to win votes like both of his opponents have done.

If you couldn't see from that speech that he is exactly the kind of leader we need right now, you must not have been able to grasp the complexities of his intelligent argument.

I'm a biracial female adopted and raised by a white family, my father being a minister. My family is a combination of Dems. and Republicans, very wealthy and very middle class.
Obama is not a racist. I know a racist when I hear one.  Rev. Wright. is expressing what I've heard not only in black company but in white as well. It doesn't have to be right or agreed upon. But it does need to be discussed. Obama is capable of doing this with a calm cool head.
Obama's speech should be heard by our children and families more than once. It was phenomenal! He addressed clearly and directly that he did not agree with Rev. Wright's statements but he wasn't going to throw this man under the bus. It shows me that he is capable of not throwing the baby out with the bath water! Isn't that the type of cool headedness we need when dealing with governments who we disagree with?    

I've spent my life,mostly in Florida, and traveling around this great country of ours having to field the most ignorant and racist comments from some whites concerning the black community with grace and composure. And I have delt with the negative perspectives of some of the black community when it comes to my multiracial background. Although it can be painful, I'm overjoyed my viewpoints are educated, wide and varying. It has helped me to see the world with wide open eyes and make decisions that better me and others. Wake up America!  

Stop allowing the media spin and its selective hearing to form your opinions.

Paying Attention... I hear ya! I was so incensed by Joe Scarborough I got out of bed (I'm on Mountain Time, so it's on two hours earlier) to write in and tell him off.

Frankly, I think he, Tucker Carlson and Pat Buchanan do a disservice to MSNBC. Their comments are more at home on Fox, or Headline News.

As for the speech, absolutely stunning, eloquent, elegant, intelligent and exactly what was needed at this time.

Imagine if John McCain had had the courage to make this kind of broad sweeping speech after he had been drummed out of the 2000 in the South Carolina primary because Republican hitmen claimed he had "fathered a black baby." (A smear cooked up to tarnish McCain who had actually adopted a child from Bangladesh.)

What if McCain had said there is no place in American politics race-baiting, hate-filled politics? What if he had said, as an American and as a father, with a child whose skin and heritage is different from mine, I have no tolerance for those -- especially those of my own party -- who seek to use race and bigotry and prejudice as a wedge issue, to divide the electorate, to grab for votes, to divide our nation.

Now that would have been some straight talk. But he didn't. And in fact, he went back the South Carolina, to Bob Jones University to say, "hit me baby one more time." To say, in effect, your bigotry is just fine with me, even when it affects my family, my defenseless child. I'd rather have your votes.

Obama's speech was simply amazing.

Barack Obama's speech was inspiring.  Americans should be inspired to live up to its name, UNITED States.  The world view of the US at this time is that we are a nation of hypocrites who claim to be the most wealthy, strongest (militarily) and a democracy standard for the rest of the world.  After hearing some of the remarks and reading them on blogs, I have to agree with the world view.

No.  We don't want to move beyond the mire of racial and class divide we are in.  No.  We cannot judge a person on the content of their character; color and ethnicity are more important.

I listened to his speech and was proud that he did not burn his pastor, but at the same time he did not agree with the pastor's angry and ugly remarks.  This is my country and I am not white.  I do not believe Barack Obama heard that speech and for the record, the press checked it out and confirmed he was in Florida when the pastor had a "breakdown."  I call it a "breakdown" because that's what it looked like to me.  I cannot believe the people in my family (over 60) who are behind Hillary.  Why?  "She has a better chance of winning."  NO SHE CANNOT.  Too much baggage, and you ain't seen nothing yet that the Republican Party will pull out on her in a GE.  

BTW, I received an invitation to hear Karl Rove speak to the Republicans in my area on 4/15.  I have been a registered Democrat since the first time I was eligible to vote.  Who said the Republicans are not going to lure Dems who may be discouraged by all this chaos in the Democratic Party.  

This comment will probably not appear on this thread.  I haven't seen the others posted.  But maybe this time.  Wake up Americans, stop hating each other.  The rest of the world hates us enough.

In reading some of the posts regarding Obama's speech, really tells me that we are far from working together as "Americans" for a better country, but we are still stuck in "black" and "white" Ok his pastor stated some things, oh well lets move on to the economy, healthcare, the war...etc.  I really don't want the Clintons(and I'm talking Hillary and Bill) I'd hate to be the Vice President under Hillary with Bill around...LOL, but we really need to MOVE on!!  Whomever you vote for, vote for because of the issues you believe in, let's quit talking about RACE!!!

Obama made his big "important" speech about race to save his run for the Oval Ofice! Why did he wait so long to make it. Why now?  If he felt so strongly about this issue in the past, why is he just now speeking up? He has been in his church for 20 years and he is well aware what Mr. Wright is all about. He and his wife are bringing up their children in this same church! Now we all understand why Michelle Obama feels the way she does about America. Obama need not question anyone in matters of judgement. I don't think his is very good. He has great advisors and was probably told to get out there and do something big, {the Big Speech}. It is appalling that some compare him to Martin Luther King Jr. Mr. King spoke with conviction and gave his life for the cause. Obama is no Martin Luther King.  Obama has studied the speeches of MLK, Kennedy, and others and knows how to motivate people to vote{for him}. He has a shady past and it's just now coming to light. And for all you that think Hillary is behind his woes, Mr. Wrights' sermons have been available for years on the web. Hillary did't have to do anything, but wait, for the public to dig them up. You say Hillary will say or do anything to be President, but isn't that what Obama is doing? He has mocked and distorted what she says and believes. She has told us what needs to be done in order to get our country back on tract. Obama might make a great civil rights leader in the future, but not a great leader of the United States as President.  

To continue on my original rant. ... Obama IS the face of America.  I find it ironic that if Obama was a couple of shades lighter and got the straight hair instead of kinky hair ..... Basically if he looked like his mother would we even be having this conversation on race?.... I'll answer this in one word NO.  President Obama, dare I say, has tried his best to keep the race issue out of the campaign completely but with the help of his opponents, their respective staff and the media it has not only evolved into an issue, but has become such an issue that he felt that he must make a speech on it.  

Jermiah Wright is a preacher, just like Jerry Falwell,  and the late Billy Graham.  All of these men are affiliated with current or former presidents and, all of these men made, and in some cases still do make, rather controversial remarks in their respective pulpits. Who cares? ..... Jerimiah Wright wields no more influence on the national much less international stage than a fly wields influence on a cow's ass.
1. Who was asked to separate themselves from Jerry Falwell or Billy Graham lately or ever?
2. Didn't Bush speak at Bob Jones University a school where interracial dating was prohibited?
4. What does that say about the men who accepted their endorsements? Are they racist?

So I agree with Rev. Wright when he says "GOD DAMN AMERICA". Makes sense to me.  We need to address the cause of the damning though.
1. Damn an America of double standards
2. Damn an America of prejudice
3. Damn an America of systematic racial injustice (Jena 6)
4. Damn an America of ignorance
5. Damn An America of knee-jerk reactionaries
We need to address this problem at home first because we live in a time when "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" happens everyday so sweeping race under the carpet is impossible.  Think of Jerimiah Wright like a black Billy Graham minus the political ties.

Long statement made short President Obama is a black candidate, he goes to black church, maybe he goes to the black barber shop ... hell he's so black his grandmother is white.  So now that we know that he is a bi-racial man that falls on the black side of the bi-racial line what will we do ....  Continue to sweep this under the rug making up ideas and justifying prejudiced behavior or do we make this a domestic issue, rectify it through addressing the other issues currently taxing our country. I like option 2 ... Barrack the Vote
Obama '08

It's frustrating to listen to some political commentators who summarily say Obama's speech was great but when asked about its impact give the same answer they gave the day before, as if there was no speech at all. Where they even listening?

I think that people, including Obama supporters, were caught blindsighted by the Wright video. The speech helped consolidate the base: it provided the movement and everyone willing to listen a better sense of where Obama was and is coming from with regards to his controversial relationship with Rev. Wright, and set the line on how to approach the issue of race in this election. It is noticeable that today Obama supporters and political pundits are much more comfortable addressing the issue in the media. Rather than simply shooting questions that only Obama could answer as in past days, now there are more thoughtful discussions, with surrogates joining in.

So was the speech a make-or-break moment? Yes. But this is one time that I agree with the saying, "what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger."

That said, let's move on to shared issues like the war and the economy....

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