First thoughts: You're so vain...

Posted: Monday, April 28, 2008 9:12 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** You’re so vain, you probably think this campaign is about you: After addressing the NAACP yesterday in Detroit, Jeremiah Wright travels to the heart of the media beast -- the National Press Club in DC -- where he has been speaking this morning. At this point, no matter one's political inexperience, Wright has to know he's not helping his friend; his decision to go public and defend his reputation at this point in the campaign is doing nothing to help Obama, if anything, it's leading some to believe he's actually trying to sabotage him. He's hurting him and hurting him very badly. Frankly, it’s as selfish of a move as we've seen in some time. Imagine, for example, if Norman Hsu or Vicki Iseman were doing publicity tours right now. Maybe, if there's a silver lining for Obama, he's giving Obama a very easy chance to simply walk away. Remember, Obama didn't toss Wright under the bus, but Wright appears to be doing that to Obama’s candidacy. Still, if Wright Vol. 1, “bitter,” and Pennsylvania didn’t move superdelegates, what will? Nevertheless, Obama seems to be starting off this week in about as bad of shape as we've seen in him in some time.

*** McCain on the offensive: One of the more interesting political developments over the past few days has been McCain’s harsh tone toward Obama -- on Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, and even Hamas (noting that the terrorist organization prefers Obama to win the presidency). A few things seem to be going on here. One, it looks like McCain is using this to define Obama on these matters. Two, the Arizona senator seems to be trying to draw a line in the sand now that he’s going to be tough on Obama -- unlike how Obama’s Democratic rivals treated him early on. (If they set the ground rules this far out, they can draw him into a fight early and potentially hurt him on his greatest strength: that he’s above the fray.) And three, it seems McCain is trying to shore up his base and placate the GOP’s amplifiers on these issues. (check out the 90%+ he's already getting from Republicans in nat'l polls; who woulda thunk he would have 90% of the GOP at all, let alone in late April). The downside to McCain’s tough tone, of course, is that it's very un-McCain. This isn’t the same guy we saw in 2000 or even in the GOP primaries until he began whacking Romney in Florida. Indeed, this tack can turn off folks (especially those coveted independents) as much as it might hurt Obama.

*** Obama’s re-launch: One story the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal all seem to agree on today: Obama’s recasting his stump speech as he talks more about the economy. Obama is trying to address an economic weakness the same way a professional basketball player approaches his craft -- by working on the weak parts of your game. Yet expect the Clinton campaign to jump on something in particular that was in the New York Times, the implication that Obama's "bored" with the primary. We can almost hear the Clinton hit on this now: "So, apparently, my opponent is bored debating the issues with me; he's bored, folks.” Now, the New York Times never quoted Obama as saying he was "bored"; it's a characterization based on interviews with aides. But the comment is one that can easily be used for some stump lines today. Yet let's take this "bored" sentiment a step further -- it's clearly a reflection of a candidate who seems to be struggling with what to say next and how to refine his pitch just enough to finish the job. The campaign seems to be shying away from the big rally approach. Here's our question: Why aren't they simply re-running their Iowa/New Hampshire strategy where he did a little of both, big rallies in small towns?

*** I challenge you to a duel: Clinton has not let a day go by without bringing up her debate challenge. What's been interesting is that Clinton keeps changing the offer; it started with simply accepting another media organized debate; then it shifted to Lincoln-Douglas-style debates (i.e. no moderator) and finally, yesterday, she offered to debate him on a flatbed truck. Maybe tomorrow she'll call for debates in the back of an astro-turf-lined El Camino. Still, the doggedness of the debate challenge may start to get under Obama's skin -- and given Wright's decision to not get out of the news -- maybe a debate will be what Obama wants in order to change the focus of the last week of this campaign.

*** Hillary Strangelove? Because of Jeremiah Wright remaining in the news, not that much attention has been paid to Clinton’s recent comments regarding Iran and the Middle East. But Sunday’s Boston Globe weighed in -- harshly. It dubbed her “Hillary Strangelove,” because of her umbrella Iran-Mideast ally retaliation policy. And the paper called that "Rambo rhetoric" that "plays into the hands of Iranian hard-liners who want to plow ahead with efforts to attain a nuclear weapons capability." More: “[T]here are some red lines that should never be crossed,” it said. “Clinton did so Tuesday morning, the day of the Pennsylvania primary, when she told ABC's ‘Good Morning America’ that, if she were president, she would ‘totally obliterate’ Iran if Iran attacked Israel. This foolish and dangerous threat was muted in domestic media coverage. But it reverberated in headlines around the world.”

*** What say you, superdelegates? By the end of June, Howard Dean says (and said again on Meet the Press) he wants superdelegates to come out to say which Democratic candidate they are backing. Just asking… After 15 months, do they really need more than two more months? For those keeping score at home, Clinton and Obama each picked up a superdelegate over the weekend. Clinton got the backing of New Hampshire add-on Kathy Sullivan, the state's former party chair. Obama picked up Charlene Fernandez (AZ), who filled a vacancy. Here’s where the counts stand: SUPERDELEGATES: Clinton 264-241 (290 still undecided); PLEDGED: Obama 1,491-1,334; OVERALL: Obama 1,732-1,598.

*** On the trail: Clinton spends her day in North Carolina, stumping in Graham, Salisbury, Concord, and finally with a rally in Charlotte; McCain is in Miami, where he holds a health-care roundtable; and Obama campaigns in North Carolina, hitting Wilmington, Wilson, and ending with a rally in Chapel Hill. Also, Bill and Chelsea Clinton are both in North Carolina.

Countdown to North Carolina, Indiana: 8 days
Countdown to West Virginia: 15 days
Countdown to Kentucky and Oregon: 22 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 190 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 267 days

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Comments

"I'm not here for political reasons. I'm not a politician. I know that fact will surprise many of you because many in the corporaate-owned media made it seemed like I am running for the Oval Office. I am not running for the Oval Office. I've been running for Jesus a long, long time and I'm not tired yet."

Do you consider the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. "descriptive," or "divisive" when he speaks about racial injustices?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=2295

.

Jeff, Austin TX (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:21 AM)

Just like Obama, Wright comes from some sort of alternate universe. Not sure what the color of the sky is in their world, but my bet is it isn't white.

HT Ida (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:21 AM)

Wright is certifiably insane.

Mooky Brazer (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:23 AM)

If President Bush announced his plans to destroy Iran, the press would tar and feather him....

Must be a diffrent set of rules for women.....

After 21 debates, if people cannot figure out Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama by now, they never will. Hillary is just running her mouth because she needs to get Obama in a setting where she can try to tear him down. She is very lucky she is running against a man who's wit i a little short. Of course, Hillary speaks as well as a second grader, so she can't say she is an excellent speaker herself. Now I know why Bill gets all the money from speaking; Hillary lacks the skills.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:23 AM)

As an Obama supporter I say its time to disown The Crazy Rev and move on. This guy is clearly a nut case and has no regard for Obama and what he is trying to do.
Throwing JFK, LBJ and Teddy under the bus in a speech is not good.

I HOPE OBAMA DISOWNS HIM TODAY

Nj (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:23 AM)

I really don't think Obama is in as bad of shape as he was when Wright initially broke, nor after the "bitter" comments, nor even after the Penn. debate. From what I can gather from people I talk to--who represent all sorts of political views--people just don't care that much about Wright right now. Most have already made up their mind about him and about whether this will affect their view of Obama.

I think the media has to stop treating Wright as some sort of celebrity whose every word and action must be scrutinized. For the most part, he's a non-issue right now.

Matt (Buffalo) (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:24 AM)

Howard Dean. For some reason, Howard thinks he's in charge of something, but that's turning out not to be true. He personally disenfranchised two states, and now he's telling the superdelegates what to do and when to do it. The man has no control over anything.

Edgar Lotts, Brookhaven, Ohio (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:25 AM)

I think you are wrong about Wright hurting Obama. Wright is not going away because the Republicans are intent on using him to harm Obama. But now that Wright is speaking out, and not in soundbites, it's hard to ignore what a thoughtful, insightful, unlearned and gifted preacher he is.

Him being out there dilutes the notion of the scary preacher. This is actually good in the long run because come September/October, the right will be old news and the right will no longer be able to define him by a few snippets.

Yvonne, Charlotte, NC (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:25 AM)

I watched the ENTIRE speech made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright, which is his name, not "Barack Obama's former paster", please use his name.... he has earned it. whether you guys like it or not. For that matter, Barack Obama's proper title is "Senator Obama" to you. First, Rev. Wright's speech last night was moving, true and if it makes you uncomfortable, that's your problem. You guys think that you can define a man who has been working his entire adult life to help black americans, well you can't. You guys gave him a platform and he is going to use it to lift up black people even more. Good for him and good for all of us. I am appalled at the questions posed by your show this morning. It's probably smart to remember that he has preached in the face of much worse than you guys and he will reach deep down inside and will win hearts and souls. I'm 35, white and from the south and Morning Joe is sounding more and more like a white conversation in the south. This has been a long time coming and none of you are educated enough to go toe to toe with Rev Wright. Thank god that he is brave enough to get into the media's face!!!!!!!! What bravery! Now I know why Senator Obama had the courage to stand and be counted. I hope that you guys have just a little of that type of courage, but I'm likely to be dissappointed. You guys better buckle in b/c this conversation will be real and many of us will support Senator Obama and Rev Wright like a thinking person, not like the typical demographics that run your profession.

Susan, Nashville, TN (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:26 AM)

I think it is amazing that the news has hyped Wright up and given him a platform to have the opportunities to earn extra money.

Even more stupid is for them to believe he should hide under a rock and let them prosecute him in the media.

It is the close minded individuals who have helped him, so for them to say this hurts Obama; is crazy.

I don't see how talking about our differences and how we are different, but not inferior or superior to one another; is a problem.

The media is looking for the story of the hour, but the more they talk about Wright the more elevated he will become. Hahahahaha...he will laughing all the way to the bank!

Clinton, puullease give us a break! Well the media is not talking about Clinton's gaffe's, but the public is not stupid. The republicans can't wait to bring up her suitcases of issues.

Michelle Zee (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:27 AM)

Obama is a typical elitist. He's comparing the working mans economic problems with that of professional basketball players? Those players make tens of millions of dollars each! Barack is a man out of touch with everday Americans.

Jason, Clearwater FL (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:27 AM)

I will not debate you on a truck.
I will not debate you in a bus.
I will not debate you here or there I will not debate you anywhere.
Sorry but this is getting silly.
so i thought i would use the king of silly Dr Suesse.

GDI in Michigan (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:29 AM)

I watched Bill Moyers' interview of Rev. Jeremiah Wright and I watched Wright's speech to the Detroit NAACP. I doubt that Senator Clinton's supporters or Senator McCain's supporters can say the same.

Rev. Wright is a whole lot smarter than his critics are giving him credit for being.

Memo to the GOP and the Clinton Campaign:

If you want to go after Rev. Wright to get at Senator Obama forget about it. You're going to have to stick to Senator Obama because Rev. Jeremiah Wright is WAAAAAY out of your league!

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:30 AM)

I am so sick of the Rev. Wright controversay. What other Pastor of ANY candidate has been followed this past weekend with a camera in tow, just to get more sound bites? It's absolutely ridiculous and the medai plays right into it. Get over it. Wright isn't the one running for office. Why not try something unique and focus on the REAL issues of this country? Not Rev. Wright or whether or not Obama wears a lapel pin. I can't believe how dumb some people truly are when it comes to politics. I'm actually disappointed. I don't see how the Democratic Party is going to recover from this in order to be successful in the fall. Guess we shall see.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:31 AM)

Obama can't walk away from Wright. They're one in the same people. Barack has just "whited" up his message a little so rich white liberals can understand it.

Chel Meagen, Normal, OK (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:31 AM)

I want to breathe again. I want time to heal and get ready for November. I want NC and IN to put an end to HRC’s campaign.

I want the media to come out and say what it will take to end the Rev. Wright story. I want the media to stay sharp and focused on pointing out HRC’s failures. I want to argue with Jerry in CC, not Patty in SD or Pat in Huntington NY.

Outside of your preferred candidate getting the nomination, what do you want?

John, Detroit MI (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:31 AM)

I have a different view on the Rev. Wright situation than First Read does.

One of the best things about life is taking the time to learn about different cultures.

I am certain that there are millions of citizens in this country who either did not watch Rev. Wright over the weekend, or who did and just don’t get it. We all know that there is a certain segment of our society who are not open to change, regardless of the circumstances.

Rev. Wright is a sophisticated, intelligent, well educated man. He is interesting and as patriotic as any person I have ever met in my entire life. Unfortunately, the media will not portray him as such.

So again we will be exploited and the media will use Rev. Wright as an example of what’s wrong in America, instead of holding him up as positive example of what a good education can mean.

It’s a lose-lose situation.

By the way, has anyone brought up the fact that Rev. Wright mentioned on Bill Moyers’ program on Friday evening that his church has received bomb threats because of all the hateful coverage? A church in which children attend.

Everybody in the media, go to church, say your prayers and don’t question the realities of our society. Don't challenge the system.

Just like always.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:32 AM)

I find your comments about Hillary Strangelove the least self aware statement I have read in a long time. You state "Because of Jeremiah Wright remaining in the news, not that much attention has been paid to Clinton’s recent comments regarding Iran and the Middle East." Do you not understand that you, and the MSM control the narrative?

Which do you think people have more of a non-purient interest in? Which of this things will actually impact the lives of not only Americans, but citizens of the world?

Do your damn jobs! Stop the tabloid journalism and actually report on those things that are important!

Gretchen, TX (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:33 AM)

Wright helping or hurting Obama?, it's hard to say.
His appearances renew the debate and remind us of what we might have preferred to have gone away. However, we now have context for those snippets and an opportunity to more fairly judge the man, his comments, and Obama's association with him.
Maybe wishing he'd disappear is avoiding some of the very topics that deserve closer scrutiny. Maybe we need to look a bit more closely at race in America.
And maybe the discussion will serve to heal, which might in the end help Barack Obama win this nomination.

Barry Scott, Stockton, CA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:33 AM)

Hillary Clinton can not win a majority of valid elected delegates. If she were to gain the nomination any other way, she and the Democratic Party would sink faster than the Titanic.

It is time to move on.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:33 AM)

I can not believe the MSM and their take on Wright's speech. I listened to it in its entirety twice as I did his sermons. They are not nearly as offensive if you listen to the entire thing. I am a white woman and my experience in church is different but I have been to all black churches and his presentation style is the same.

He said nothing offensive last night and in fact I think if people will open their minds and watch the Moyer interview, they will see an entirely different side of Rev. Wright rather than that portrayed by the MSM.

I refuse to watch any MSM anymore until you start being more accountable for your actions and quit reducing everything to 30-45 second soundbites. We could embarrass almost every on air person at MSNBC if that is how we showed each of you.

Renee, disgusted with the MSM in the US (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:33 AM)

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT EVERY VOTE SHOULD COUNT ? WHOULD "YOU" BE MAD IF YOU WERE TOLD YOUR VOTE DOES NOT COUNT,EVEN THOUGH YOU ALLREADY VOTED IN A LEGAL ELECTION WITH ALL CANIDATES ON THE BALLOT ? IF SO,PLEASE SEE FLORIDA DEMANDS REPRESENTATION ( FDR ). A VOLUNTEER GRASSROOTS COALITION, DEMANDING THAT THE 2008 FLORIDA PRIMARY VOTES BE COUNTED AND ALL DELEGATES BE GUARANTEED A SEAT AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION.FDR IS "NOT" FUNDED BY ANY CAMPAIGN,CANIDATE, PARTY,ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER ENTITY. www.floridademandsrepresentation.org , please tell your friends.

John Mercer, Clearwater, Florida (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:34 AM)

Th Iowa strategy no longer works for Obama. If Iowa and New Hampshire knew then what we know now about Obama, he wouldn't have come close to winning either of those states.

Silent Soul (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:34 AM)

Who does McCain think he is fooling??

http://www.slide.com/r/M7KJbPFL4z-Y1a7pXOu-NuKLN9_Iv2Xz?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

LeAnn, VA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:34 AM)

Joshua (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 5:49 PM)

Uh, wow, dude. That's quite a list there. Why is no one talking about that I wonder?
************************************
I have not had a chance to read everything on this board this weekend, but I did see Rev. Wright's speech on CNN last night. I thought that it was intelligent, well thought out, and he had many good points. Did he come across as making fun of some? Yes, but I did not get the impression that he was trying to be mocking as much as he's a bad impressionist who was trying to make a point.

Do I agree with the way he delivered it? No, but I wasn't his target audience. As a white woman from a different generation than he, I am not going to hear the same things as those in the room did. However, I am educated enough to understand what he was saying and appreciate it.

I am going to change my vote for Obama in the fall? No. At least, not because of this. Hillary still reeks of desperation to me. Jockeying for free air time and trying to be tough. C'mon.

I think this election will really come down to the educated vs. the uneducated. I won't say "working class" vs. "the elite" because it's not the same. You can have uneducated folks in white collar jobs and scholars among the factory workers.

I think everyone should hear the entire speech before making a decision. Lord knows the chattering classes on Morning Schmoe today were just disecting snippets. Tucker and Pat are Republicans - what do you expect them to say?

Do I think this guy should go away now? If he cares about Obama, then yes. He's had his say. Otherwise his grabbing of the spotlight will further divide this country because people would rather concentrate on sound bites rather than the actual content of his words.

Happy Monday!

MI Chick (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:35 AM)

Frankly, I'm getting pretty tired of the media telling me how I should process information. I watched Reverend Wright with Bill Moyers and I watched the entire speech last night. I thought the speech was just fine. It gave you a full picture of Rev Wright and not just 30 second soundbites. I can see why this man has a huge church following.

This morning the news stations are showing short little soundbites that make the speech seem more controversial than it was. They tell me that this is a big problem for Obama and that we should all be concerned. It's just really sad that talking heads feel that I am too stupid to form a conclusion on my own.

Cara in MN (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:36 AM)

These are lame articles this morning. Why is the media still trying to keep Hillary in this primary. There is no way she can win, unless stolen. This primary is mathematically over.

boogeyman, mamaroneck, n y (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:37 AM)

I am certainly hopeful that MSNBC will cover Mrs. Clinton's religious affiliations just as closely when the book that chronicles the subject is published May 20th.

Rev. Wright is Rev. Wright. Barack Obama is Barack Obama. Their paths crossed in life, but they did not somehow morph into one person.

This horse is dead. Quit beating it.

Susan (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:37 AM)

I am an Obama supporter, but I am also a proud (if former) member of Rev. Wright's denomination.

This is not about Obama, it's about defending the reputation of his church, the black church & the reputation of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Wright was one of the pre-eminent voices of the diverse, inclusive UCC denomination long before Obama was on the national scene, and he will continue to be one of the pre-eminent voices in the years to come. If these insults to his local church, the black church tradition and the UCC remain unchallenged in the mainstream media, it will do untold damage to these groups. The world does not function according to a campaign strategy, not should it.

Cheri Campbell, Sheffield Lake, OH (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:37 AM)

Obama appears to be trying to run out the clock. Not a good way to win a nomination. Hillary has pulled out all the stops and is trying to win the nomination. Obama looks like he's trying not to lose it. Not showing much of a leadership position by the supposed "front-runner".

Orin Blue (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:37 AM)

I'm sorry, I fail to see how hiding Wright under a rock - as if Obama had the power to do that (hint - he doesn't) - would change anything. Right now, we have sound bites that have been played over and over again and will be played over and over again. Does anybody think that by somehow preventing Wright from doing anything public between now and November will magically cause the GOP to say, "well, let's not use the Wright thing"? Of course not. Better that this guy get out there in fuller context, in a nice, reserved setting like a Bill Moyers interview. De-sensitize people. Plus, the more you listen to the guy beyond the sound bites, you realize that he's not a racist, that he's not some crazy anti-American black nationalist. What he is is a liberal Christian pacifist. Now, you can disagree with his liberal positions, you can think that pacifism is a hopeless and silly ideology, but the man's not some hateful bigot hellbent on seeing the destructions our our country. That's the media distortion. So I say, get 'em out there - early and often (but not too much). Better that he control the narrative rather than Limbaugh and Hannity. I just don't see this hurting Obama any more than it already has. Media types who opine that it will are just hoping for some hyped up non-scandal to boost ratings...and their own self-importance.

Let's just watch Obama defy the odds again - odds set almost solely by our all-knowing pundit class.

OGLib (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:37 AM)

I don't agree that Rev. Wright is hurting Obama. Believe me, after the last seven years of right wing rule we are all inured to preachers using inflamatory language to justify their political positions. How many times have I had to read about James Dobson's and Pat Robinson's views? No one suggests they go away and be quiet for the sake of the right wing politicians they support. This is America, everyone has a right to speak, (even me!)

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:37 AM)

Obama is such an elitist, he probably is 'bored' with the primary. He wants to get right to his coronation.

Patsy Wilkerson, Bravo TX (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:38 AM)

Wright and Obama are seperate entities. I don't believe it's hurting Obama in the way the media thinks. I think by know it's clear people don't attribute his actions to Obama. Wright should defend himself b/c he is a preacher that was basically lambasted on the national stage for sensational and political reasons. Save for this press club event today the media has been following him around like hounds whenever he speaks...expecting something new.

CJ (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:38 AM)

"Nevertheless, Obama seems to be starting off this week in about as bad of shape as we've seen in him in some time."

---------------
Could you be more blatantly obvious as to being in Clinton's camp FR? Are you trying for a position with a Clinton Administration? What right did you have to make that statement?

Mark, St. Louis MO (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:40 AM)

Dude--

1. We're ALL bored with the primary campaign now.

2. Would a lion accept the challenge of a mouse to a duel? I don't think so. His strategy is sound.

3. I'm not so sure 'more' Wright doesn't help Obama. For god's sake, you people are worse than tabloid journalists with these things. Obama's strength (and risk) has been that he refuses to underestimate the electorate's intelligence. He needs to stick with that game---that is the big change.

iowan (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:41 AM)

For those still thinking that this primary campaign is the nastiness one ever, I direct you to:
www.newsday.com
for an editorial piece showing that this is in fact, one of the most civilized campaigns, going all the way back to Adams vs. Jefferson in 1800.

pat huntington ny (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:44 AM)

I disagree that Reverend Wright's self-defense is hurting Obama. I think it would be hard to keep quiet after death threats, and he's not going on like Fox News - he went on Bill Moyers and then spoke at the NAACP, and I'm sure it's not the first time he's spoken. He was at the White House several times during the Clinton administration for official events for goodness sakes!

Let's give it a rest. Obama has dealt with the matter, said all he can say, and really it's the media that persists on asking questions and pushing the issue to the forefront - even though it's now a non-starter. As long as Reverend Wright is still alive and kicking on this Earth, he will continue to live his life, speak freely, and make choices, and I think now that he is no longer associated with Obama's church and is not part of his campaign, I do not see why Obama should have to account for what Wright says/does still. That is simply absurd.

As far as I can tell, none of the media's further questions on Wright have been anything new - just a re-hash of the same old, same old from you guys! Why is THAT not surprising?

And, unlike Norman Hsu, Wright did not break the law. Furthermore, how come you guys are not asking McCain about his inconsistencies re: John Hagee at every stop?

This is just so old and it needs to stop. The more you all push this point in your little Beltway bubble, the more the American people are going to continue to turn away from mainstream media as a source for accuracy and truthfulness in reporting. But if that's what you want, and maybe YOU'RE trying to sabotage your own jobs and careers (as ridiculous of a statement as you suggesting Wright actually is trying to sabotage Obama) then you're doing a darn good job of it!!

MK, Baltimore, MD (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:45 AM)

the washington political machine is making a full force assault on obama it would seem, the media insists on going negative on him also, while allowing clintons hideous remarks on her middle east policy to go un-noticed, someone explain to me the policy differences between hillary and mccain cause I don't see any, all the more reason to vote for obama

MK,MO (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:46 AM)

I am truly sick of all this, and I blame the media for it TOTALLY! Enough about Rev. Wright. Gosh almight, when will we have had enough? STop ramming this down our throats already. Let's focus on important issues like Hillary saying we need to be stronger in Afghanistan, and yes, why aren't we hearing about the Umbrella of protection?????? That should mean more to Americans than what Rev. Wright says. You guys are really, really doing America a total disservice just like the media didn't bother to research and report the truth before the Iraq war. I know a lot of people who are going to vote for Obama one way or the other, and no one is bothering to poll us. We live in New Jersey by the way, are women and are 50 or above. So, so much for your putting us all in little boxes. Where are the super-delegates? If they don't know by now that the majority of America wants Obama than they shouldn't be superdelegates. I am so sick of this. It is so obvious that Big Business is doing their best to get rid of Obama. After all, the people are the ones sending the money into him to run, so he is beholden to nobody. Even the Republicans know they want to get rid of Obama because that's who they are attacking! Doesn't that tell the superdelegates anything?

New Independent (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:47 AM)

I wonder if John McCain has listened to Reverend Wright's sermons in total or listened to his interview with Moyers or his speech to NAACP. How is it that Christians find it so easy to try and destroy a man who has given his entire adult life to Christ, growing many good missions, bringing thousands to Christ, without looking at the man in total? How many Christians in this country have asked for forgiveness for Tuskeggee? How many Christians in this country would rather bury their heads in the sand than look at injustice and poverty as Christ has asked us to do?

brian in nc (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:47 AM)

Note to Hillary: We're bored, also. As soon as Obama can focus on McCain, we'll be interested again. This primary season is old news.

Eliz (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:47 AM)

It doesn't matter who you're voting for in this election, Rev. Wright is bad news for everyone!

He's all about himself and he's taking Senator Obama down with every word he says! Talk about bad timing!!

I'm sure he's going to be making a great deal of money off of this...a book deal, the speech circuit, etc. Meanwhile, with friends/family like this who needs enemies!! Senator Obama's candidacy is in real trouble...you couldn't pay for this kind of negative impact in an election!!

Carol, CA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:48 AM)

It's amazing how the media keeps jumping all over Reverend Wright. If you're going to talk about comments that he made in a speech you should talk about why he was making those comments. You should show the whole sermon or tell viewers where to go see the entire sermon but you're not.

I'm tired of these political games because it's my children's future that you're playing with.

Neenahfox,MI (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:48 AM)

You must have watched something different than I did. I saw a respectable man talk about spreading the word of the Lord. Maybe you are not religious. In the Catholic faith ministers like Dr.Jeremiah Wright would be welcomed based on his social work in his communities. This is what it is about. He as not just complaining about history he is doing something to CHANGE it!! How would you like to have a 30-second snippet made of you......I can tell you from watching you pundits; it would present a different picture of the true meaning of your life as a person.

Sue, Elyria, OH (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:50 AM)

My take on Jeramiah Wrights speaking are this.It's a free country the last time I checked.Secondly he is not a part of the Obama Campaign so to tie him to it is another unjust action of the media.The fact that CNN interupted its normal programming to air the speech over and over again was rather interesting.First off If you listen to the people that saw it in person it was great, then when you have people that are not in touch with the African American experience they find fault.Yet almost every African American can find parts of that speech that have been proven in their daily lives. I think that people that resent the comments made by Rev. Wright from the NAACP do not have any business commenting on the subject matter.I also think that to keep trying to tie Obama to his former pastors words is another bad media tactic. John McCain is a hypocrit and should be laughed at ,on every occasian possible.

Brian M. De. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:51 AM)

I don't think Hillary needs to say or do anything more against Obama, defensively or offensively.

McCain's 527 friends seem to be chomping at the bit to unleash hell on Barack. That may end up being the real 'tie-breaker'. It may not be fair, but the last thing politics is, is fair.

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:51 AM)

The only reasonable, possible explanation to the Wright/Obamba debacle is that Obama agreed with his mentor for 20 YEARS. That is why Wright is out there giving his Black Recentment Speeches and Obama dares not refused nor denounced him because if Obama does, then Wright will spill out exactly what Obama said and how he felt for these last 20 YEARS. Obama cannot denounce nor refused Wright because the truth will come out. Wright is Obama’s true political liability. Expect the following:
1- WRITE A BOOK.
2- CONTINUE TO GIVE NATIONAL SPEECHES.
3- HE WILL CHARGE FOR THOSE NATIONAL SPEECHES.
4- HE WILL APPEAR IN MORE COMMENTARY PROGRAMS.
5- DONT BE SURPRICE IF WRIGHT HIMSELF RUNS FOR SENATOR.
6- THERE WILL BE A WRIGHT IDIALOGY BASED ON HIS POLITICAL ANGLE.
7- OBAMA WILL NOT DISASSOCIATE, NOR RENOUNCED REV. WRIGHT.

SO ASK YOURSELF WHY? Why CANT THE NEXT POSSIBLE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES DENOUNCE AND RENOUNCE HIS CRAZY, ANTI-AMERICAN PASTOR? EASY; WRIGHT KNOWS TOO MUCH.

Leanza Cornett (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:51 AM)

Shouldn't that be 'Ramba' rhetoric? I mean, it's 'Macha', no? "Brava, Hillary!", you've found the Inner-Warrioress.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:51 AM)

No comment,no debates.Just fancy stolden speeches.

B. Obama (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:51 AM)

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