Obama talks race, Wright, debates

Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:08 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones
In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Obama acknowledged he may have some work to do to attract blue-collar voters.

"They are less familiar with me than they are with her," he told Chris Wallace. "So we probably have to work a little bit harder. I’ve got to be more present. I’ve got to be knocking on more doors. I’ve got to be hitting more events. We’ve got to work harder, because although it’s flipped a little bit, we’ve always been the underdog in this race."

Obama expressed confidence that his race would not keep him from being elected in the general election, despite exit polls in Pennsylvania that showed votes divided along racial lines. He also argued he was putting unexpected states in play.

"If you look at the general-election polls, we are doing better against John McCain than Sen. Clinton is," he said. "And we are putting states in play like Colorado and Virginia that have not been in play for a very long time. Here in Indiana, we just-- you just saw polling by the Indianapolis Star showing me beating John McCain."

He called his association with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright a "legitimate political issue" but argued, as he has in the past, that the use of 30-second sound bites had simplified and caricatured his former pastor and said he felt that had been "done in a fairly deliberate way," calling it "unfortunate."

"I also know that I go to church not to worship the pastor, to worship God,” he added. “And that ministry, the church family that's been built there, does outstanding work, has been I think applauded for its outreach to the poor.”

He also discussed his association with 1960s radical William Ayers and issues like charter schools, merit pay for teachers, tort reform and Iraq. The senator said he would not debate Clinton again before the May 6th contests. The interview was taped Saturday, before news that Clinton had challenged Obama to a 90-minute, moderator-free, Lincoln-Douglas-style debate. After the news, Obama's campaign maintained that there had been plenty of debates and that after May 6, they would consider more.

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Comments

I heard McCain want to make Wright an issue in the fall, my suggestion for him is to bring it on. Like i have said before, this election will shed more light on MSM and the bigots that still remain in this country.

According to Mark Halperin, McCain said he is going to exploit Wright issue. The question the press should ask him is why? What about McCain pastor that is as controversial as anything else? It seems to me McCain is going against his own pledge.

Howard Dean is right, McCain a weak candidate. The old grand pa is not going to win my vote let alone win 2% of democratic voters. The guy is a hypocrite and a darling of the MSM.

Bee (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:16 PM)

That's so right, Obama's spiritual mentor is Christ, not Wright. And in this context, it's no small wonder that Obama doesn't 'dump' those he doesn't see eye to eys with or downright disagrees with. Afterall, Christ cautioned to let God be the judge.

If one were to consider what the 'unknown' Obama has achieved without the phenomenal brand name of Clinton,
he's right - come the general election, not only would he be better known... the 'brand name' who undermines her own fellow democrat at every given opportunity won't be on the ballot...and the entire democratic party machinery will be behind him, undiluted. Yes, Obama will soar above the 'politicking' to make things happen - with honor, in D.C.

Tikiri, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:26 PM)

No more debates---cannot take any more whining and excuses of Racism and that mean ol Hillary moaning,that would follow.He is getting attention and sympathy votes already with his bs.He is singlehandedly taking the Democratic party to the political dumpster.This makes me angry I have worked hard for the Democratic party for years and in one swoop this racist has set it back for who knows how long?Pelosi,Dean and Kennedy have aided and abetted in its demise---with their weak and whimpy backstabbing performances also.I hope they too will be thrown out of office as they so richly deserve.They have protected George Bush and stabbed the Clintons with their obama sickness.

NObama-MI (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:30 PM)

Obama will win the nomination by eating more pot roasts and jello!
Yeah - that should do it!
Go Hillary!

Nancy (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:32 PM)

I had taped the interview that Bill Moyer had done with Rev. Wright so I didn't get to watch it until today. The media has NEVER reported that the remark that Rev. Wright said about "the chickens are coming home to roost" was first made on Fox News by Amb. Peck right after Sept. 11. Why doesn't the media tell us that? Or report that that remark was made by an Amb.? That wouldn't make good gossip would it? Also, that the remark that Rev. Wright was taken out of context? Why doesn't the media talk about the Rev. Wright? Like he was only a few that were allowed in the room with Pres. Johnson when he had surgery? Not good gossip? I am an old white woman, who is going to vote for Barack and pray that he stays safe.

Sue Calvin, Corning, Oh (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:40 PM)

on the other hand, these issues are good for Obama. he ends up receiving more media coverage. and this helps him to be know more.

sme, va (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:42 PM)

One has to wonder how many of the "Reagan Democrats" not voting for Obama were, as we might say here in Alabama, "Wallace Democrats." Could he be faulted if his concerns for their needs and problems were not enough to meet their approval?

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:42 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Just can't stay out of the ole tarpit can they.

twocanpete (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:45 PM)

Oh brother! Barrack look what happened to the Germans when they listen to Hitler! That did not take 20 years! I know black churches have a different perspective than others, in truth you all should shun the religion that was shoved down your throats. OH yeah you did! Slaves were always pacified with religion and hymns, it was a plan! Turn the other cheek is not the black churches greatest teaching but the change to hate with no uplifting of life is a failure churches must share.
Education is the answer not religion. Build schools not churches or as the catholics do, do both! That is the way they get to brain wash each and every child they get.

religion the root of all evil (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:46 PM)

I thought it was a good interview for Senator Obama. He continues to be cool and unflappable under pressure unlike some of his rivals or the man who holds the office he is running for.

If how a campaign is run is any indication of how the country will be run after a candidate is elected there is only once choice and we are all in for better times to come. McCain and Clinton have periodically gone broke and had to borrow money.

I know who I am voting for.

Deward Bowles, Houston, Texas (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:48 PM)

I think Obama should stop defending his relationship with Rev. Wright. When people ask him about it, he should tell them he's done talking about it and refer them to the Bill Moyers interview and tell them if they want to know about Rev. Wright and who he is and what he really thinks they should watch that interview.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/index-flash.html

Heartlight 3, Maui, Hawaii (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:03 PM)

RE: blue collar workers, elitism etc. I'm a middle class worker from a small town in South Dakota. Guess what? Arugula is not an exotic food--we even have it in our grocery stores. Oh, and we also have indoor plumbing!!! It's the press that is elitist by underestimating middle class Americans.

Liz (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:07 PM)

I didn't see it but all the reporting sounds like it was civil discussion and that Obama handled the Fox crew. Now let's see how Fox edits a sentence here and there and parses his comments to match their agenda, which is to get Hillary nominated so they can masticate her in the general and John McCain can swallow her.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:08 PM)

Wright is a marshmallow compared to Hillary's religious connections.

When are we going to hear questions and investigations of Hillary's membership in a cell of conservative religious group known as the The Fellowship or The Family? They believe they are the "elite" chosen by God to run governments and that God has a plan for them. Scary people involved and scary stuff. Remember, Bush believes that Iraq will turn out OK no matter what because God told him so. We don't need a person in the White House who believes they are part of an "elite" group "entitled" to be there to fulfill a secret plan.

Who's Sane (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:13 PM)

I watched the interview with Rev. Wright and Bill Moyers. Rev. Wright appeared to be a very reasonable and intelligent man. His explanations more than satisfied any qualms I may have had. The only reason this dead issue will try to come back is if it is pushed by the clinton camp which I believe will not bode well for her. I like Senator Obama more and more. He has handled himself wisely. He got my white,female, methodist vote in the primay and he will get it in the fall.

Firm Obama Supporter (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:15 PM)

How many debates have there been between Hillary and Obama?? Three I think is the correct answer. More is needed, if we are to get a good feel for how Obama would act or react against McCain, if he wins the nomination and he may not. Obama hasn't really said what he expects to do as president. He has adopted some policies of Edwards and Hillary but nothing that is totally Obama.

I do think there needs to be more debates but there is nothing that Obama can do to convince me to vote for him. I read his books and I am appalled at some of the things I read. I just don't trust what he is about and what we may have in store for us, if he were elected.

I support Hillary and should she not be nominated then I vote McCain.

drk in tn (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:16 PM)

I am waiting for somebody to say the Mr. Ayers was never convicted of anything, is a professor at a university and lives in Barack's neighborhood. And also that Barack was what, eight years old, when he was protesting the Vietnam War? Thank goodness that we had people such as that to stop that war!!!! If there was a draft today, we would have the same protests as we did back then. Barack needs to do just as he is doing now, talk to the people. We all know what the Clinton's will do, we need some change in this country.

Garnet Colvin, Corning, Oh (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:17 PM)

Unfortunately, race has now become a big factor, whereas in te beginning, it wasn't.

And Obama and his campaign only have themselves to blame for this! They started it! It's going to be very difficult for Hillary supporters to reconcile with the issues, because Obama supporters have been so vile in their comments and criticisms about Hillary. They blame her for everything, even when they know Obama is responsible for some of what has afflicted his candidacy!

I could not vote for him, if he were the nominee.

BJ (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:22 PM)

Who's Sane (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:25 PM)

Obama seems to have handled himself well. I believe he's correct to state he has a better chance against McCain than Clinton has.

Paul Sunstone (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:26 PM)

I thought Senator Obama's interview was very informative as usual. What I do not like is how Fox news commentators and anchors always seem to read something negatitively about Senator Obama no matter what he saids about his pastor, etc. This network is so bias, it's unbelieveable. I'm going to stop watching fox news and anyone else who chooses to belittle Senator's Obama's comments, pastor etc. I'm tired of it.

vivacious, dallas (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:27 PM)

I am surprised he would interview with Fox news, but I guess he figured they had to be more fair than ABC.

nuanced (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:27 PM)

I applaud Sen Obama for choosing to focus more on the pressing issues facing the American people rather than spending that time having YET ANOTHER DEBATE that does not even address those issues, but focuses on trivial stuff such as who is more patriotic based on who does or doesn't wear....flag pins

nikki (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:33 PM)

I think going on fox is a good idea. Obama has to run this race against McCain and ignore HRC. Good move.

JB from San Diego (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:36 PM)

Barack also was essentially an employee of Bill Ayers for eight years.

In 1995, the Chicago Annenberg Challenge was created to raise funds to help reform the Chicago public schools. One of the architects of the Challenge was none other than Professor Bill Ayers. Ayers co-wrote the initial grant proposal and proudly lists himself on his own website as the co-founder of the Challenge

Austin (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:36 PM)

"[America is] the same as al-Qaeda, under a different color flag, calling on the name a different God to sanction and approve our murder and our mayhem!"
This new from Rev. Whright

Shame on Obama!!

Texas (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:38 PM)

I know this sounds cliche, but I really don't see his race. I have not heard a politician speak such ugly truths about corporate corruption, race relations, our dependence on foreign oil, and the sad truths about the mess in Iraq ever. Many Americans don't like to hear the truth if it requires them to take a look within themselves. Any good therapist will tell you that you can never heal yourself until you acknowledge you have a problem. Barack Obama is taking that first painful step towards healing America. The Republicans have once again been using fear tactics by implying that Obama would fill his cabinet with people of color and all white people who have a good career and/or house will lose it if he becomes president. The truth is, he will fill his cabinet with whoever is going to do the best job! He is a strong leader who is grounded in reality and seems much less affected by corporate interests. This is exactly what our nation needs at this grave hour.

Travis Ludwick Mullica Hill, NJ (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:48 PM)

Obama still tries to play the underdog even after he was the selfannointed nominee after Iowa and has called for Hillary to step down numerious times. That does not sound like an underdog to me. He is trying to downplay the fact that she has had to dust herself off and pick herself up several times, while he rode the media support train. As usual he speaks platitudes while explaining the people who will not vote for him.
Frankly, they will not give him their vote as they really to not know him. He has been protected by the media and his campaign to the extent that he cannot give a speech without his speech writers, hemming and hawing when he does not have a teleprompter. Let him get some guts and meet Hillary in a debate where he cannot complain of the gotcha factor.

lee,sarasota (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:48 PM)

I would like to see the interview and hope that Fox will have a link so we can view this morning's interview.

Ann Boreson, Seattle,WA (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:48 PM)

Dream on Obama. You are finished! :)

Obama is a fatally flawed candidate and always has been. It is just more evident now. He and his wife's comments have betrayed them and so has Jeremiah Wright.

After listening in depth to the Moyer interviews of Jeremiah Wright and Cone, it is easier to understand where Obama is coming from.

Cone:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/11232007/watch.html

Jeremiah Wright:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04252008/watch.html

Obama cannot win the general election but he will hand it to McCain if he is the Democratic nominee.

It is your choice Democrats. Hillary Clinton or John McCain 08! :)

aware, Hilo, Hawaii (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:49 PM)

"I go to church not to worship the pastor, to worship God"

He should've been saying this line all along.

Al, San Diego, CA (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:53 PM)

By Susan Page, USA TODAY
RALEIGH, N.C. —

The end could be near.

Why the Democratic race could end in North Carolina
Or the endgame, at least, of a surprisingly drawn-out Democratic presidential contest. Four months and 42 states after the opening Iowa caucuses, the primary in North Carolina on May 6 now looms as a pivotal final showdown between Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Obama starts with a double-digit lead in polls here, a state where 2,400 free tickets to his rally at the War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro last week were gone within three hours of the announcement he would appear. But Clinton has appeal in the Tar Heel State, too, and is competing hard. The day after Obama's rally, she drew 1,000 supporters to the gym at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville for a town hall meeting.

"I really believe May 6 has the potential to be everything," says Joe Trippi, a strategist for the presidential bids of former North Carolina senator John Edwards this year and Howard Dean in 2004. "Every day you see increased pressure on Hillary Clinton about why she's staying in, and if she could win in North Carolina it would shut down that kind of talk and open up the possibility she could get there" to the nomination.

"But if he wins in North Carolina," Trippi says of Obama, "I think you're going to see things close up very quickly. You'll see a lot of superdelegates line up behind him."
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Dem "SUPER BOWL" is the NC Primary ----- (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:05 PM)

Obama looked so scared to be on Fox. Poor thing. It's going to take some time for him to regain his composure.

PK Lee (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:09 PM)

Excellent job Obama, and even though it surprises me to say this, excellent interview FOX news!

nj (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:14 PM)

I think Obama has debated enough. People say that they don"t know enough about him but they know enough to decide whether he is the type of person who will help bring this nation out of a very bad place. We have elected presidents before ond some have disappointed us but we have to go on our feelings.

Neodros V. Bridgeforth Los Angeles, CA (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:15 PM)

Listen , Clinto is 10 million in debt , and just looking for free air time , and to think this person is harping on how she can fix our economy ( what a joke ).

Look at how she has ran her camaign , and it's pretty easy to see that a Hillary Clinton White House would be a train wreck.

Hillary is more Republican then Democrat , and thats just the cold hard truth.

James , Oregon (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:16 PM)

Hillary knew that she had nothing to lose via a
Lincoln-Douglas-style debate since news media probably looking for a gaffes or two and a 30secs soundbites from Obama and most importantly she's trailing Obama in delegates count.
Either way,
1. She could bloodied Obama to the point that he is weakened.
2. She wrestled ala coup de'tat the nomination from Obama.

So she has nothing to lose, essentially.

BK (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:25 PM)

You guys are the experts, but I ask,
Why can't SHE? Close the deal. Once anointed and just having to await her coronation, Sen. Clinton, with all of their resources, is still behind now.

Why has Sen. Obama's totally blowing her away with
another important group in the Dem. base, African-Americans, not as important as her connecting with
blue collar workers in 2 rust belt states? As if he
hasn't had huge numbers of middle class or lower income voters vote for him already in the 30 contests.
Also, in a state (PA and OH) tailor made for her,
of 2.2 million votes she won by only 206,000 and went
from a 20-30% lead to 9.4% in PA and it's a big win? I guess I won't give up my day job, but I don't get the emphasis.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:48 PM)

I must say, the Chris Wallace interview with Senator Obama was exceptionally fair and balanced - most impressive. What caught my ear was Obama's remark "l go to church to worship God, not the minister". As I think about it, who am I to tell another where they should worship. I must say, I was impressed, definitely enough to cast a ballot for him over Hillary, and who knows, perhaps even John McCain.

Carlos

Carlos (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:52 PM)

The more I learn about Obama, the more I distrust and don't like him. I was an Obama supporter but NO more. If he gets the nomination I will vote for McCain. McCain doesn't pretend he is something that he's not. He takes the approach, I am what I am and if you don't like me, oh well. You have to respect his honesty. Obama continues to lie and throw punches at Clinton. When she hits him back, he takes two steps backwards and says "Hey look at her attacking me, it's not fair, I am not like that". We all know now that he is full of it.

GO Hillary!!!! Bring it home.

Ex-Obama Supporte, North Carolina (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:57 PM)

I'd drink from that man's cantene any day...
Bill Moyer's PBS on Rev. Wright is the end of discussion on why Barack Obama loves this giant of a man.
For all those that have judged Rev. Wright may they be asking forgiveness...
I am a Latter Day Saint (Mormon) and I would be humbled to have him come and speak at any of our testimony meetings...I'd love to break bread with Rev. Wright any Sunday....

He that Has Climbed that Mountain for His Brothers & Sisters (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:57 PM)

I must say, the Chris Wallace interview with Senator Obama was exceptionally fair and balanced - most impressive. What caught my ear was Obama's remark "l go to church to worship God, not the minister". As I think about it, who am I to tell another where they should worship. I was impressed, definitely enough to cast a ballot for him over Hillary, and who knows, perhaps even John McCain.

Carlos

Carlos (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:58 PM)

I hope that the american people will see and understand obama is the real thing.
I too respect Mccain but his age has been showing alot in the things he says or cannot say right.
As for Hillary, well, we had slick Willie. He did good in alot of areas but screwed up in alot. So the thing that I fear, is with all Hillary's experience, we will be looking at slick Hillie.
So Barack, onward christian soldier.

Ceferino Banogon (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:02 PM)

I can't believe the race card keeps comming up. When you see over 60% of whites for Clinton and over 90% of blacks for Obama. How can any the whites are hurting Clinton without saying the blacks are hurting Clinton? I Just Don't Get It.

Carl Schaetzle , Bourbon, Indiana (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:02 PM)

Great interview! I was pleasantly surprised. Chris Wallace was fair, thorough and unbiased. Very professional. And Obama handled the questions head-on and with confidence. THIS is the Obama we fell in love with ... and it is so nice to see that he's back on his game.

Lorna, North Chicago, IL (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:16 PM)

As far as race relations in the US, we've come a long way, but there's much further to go. The only aspect that each of us can control is how we as individuals behave. You need to start with yourself. It's a sad state of affairs in this country that there are some inividuals that will not vote for Obama because of the color of his skin. I know we can do better, make Martin Luther King proud.

I watched the entire hour long interview of Rev. Wright with Bill Moyiers and I was very suprised that there is not more of a reaction on the blogs. I though Rev. Wright was thoughtful and very much "spot on" with almost everything he said. And if you listened to the lead-in of his sermons to the infamous sound bites that have been burned into this election, you really come to the conclution that Wright is just speaking the truth. He is critical of the US government, but not un-American. And the last time I checked, the Constitution allowed freedom of speech.

chris, sc (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:21 PM)

a very presidential obama was on fox with chris. i thought it went well.

once again, he tackled questions with charm and poise.

thats why they call him MR COOL !!!

BlakGuy, Grand JUnction, CO (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:38 PM)

Barack Obama did very well on Fox News today. He was asked some difficult questions for the first 20 minutes and answered them quite well. Chris Wallace did a good job interviewing him also. He asked no softball questions and did not apologize for any "gotcha" questions. He was firm with Obama, sometimes cutting him off to get more sordid details, but respectful and Obama did very well.

I think Obama should do more of these interviews. My father from FL called me today after the show. Mind you, he's a die-hard Republican, but said he never cared for Obama before now. He said to me, "When the interview was just starting, I was about to turn the channel, but heard Obama's answer to the first question and it sparked my interest. When it was over, I said to myself, 'Hey, I actually like this guy'"!

His previous Obama opinion was "he keeps making speeches and they sound more and more like the last speech so I don't listen anymore - anyone in politics can come up with a good speech so I'm not impressed."

Today he actually got to know Obama a little better and really likes him. He said that if McCain doesn't brush up on how economically downtrodden this country is become, he might need to switch allegiances. Wow! This is not the father I've know all my life.

Obama needs to do more of these interviews - period. People need to hear more than just his speeches. The media is dying for more interviews and I think he should take them up on most that are offered. It's also better than those lousy debates where he's too busy fighting off attacks to actually discuss his stance on major issues.

Texas Scott (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:39 PM)

If Obama is so great - and going to change our country WHY can't he do anything about the CRIME and killings in the streets of Chicago? His own hometown - he is the Senator there - he needs to go back home and clean up his town/state before he even thinks he can fix America!

Molly (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:48 PM)

Obama will not even take one more opportunity to debate Senator Clinton. She has offered the best format for him …. He cannot complain about the narrator. A GREAT Lincoln/Douglas style debate. Obama will be his own narrator. What is he scare off? What does he have to hide? What question does he not want ask? He is a great speaker WHY not this one debate for AMERICA ..... OH he does not salute the flag …. Only him and his wife have gain respect for this country since he has been running for the toughest job in the world (His respecting AMERICA is like discovering GOD when you are in trouble with the law or in his case the LORD). What is this great man, that wants to be our leader, scare of, in debating Senator Clinton? Does he feel a WOMAN is going to do him in ....? In another debate? This man called Obama preachers to us like his preacher WRIGHT did to him, Wright is no MINISTER he PREACHERS to his people not MINISTERS to them, he tells them what to think and what to do (this man WRIGHT is no Reverend either for he does not do GODS’ will for he strictly preachers for he knows the way and what is RIGHT ….. HA! Does this make you think of someone else the BIG “O” know it all). Will another debate bring our WRIGHT from inside of OBAMA?
Obama please don't be so chicken S _ _ T!

Bill Gott, Hampton, NH (Sent Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:49 PM)

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