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

[[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,]]

How do YOU know that? Since the elite corporate media has been demonizing Wright for weeks now, maybe it will help Obama if Wright shows that maybe Obama wasn't sitting in a church for 20 years listening to a Satan preaching anti-Americanism, contrary to what you in the media want people to believe.

Houston (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:52 AM)

"You’re so vain, you probably think this campaign is about you..."

You're kidding, right? Perhaps if the media didn't keep playing clips of the man and trying to caricature him as some anti-American, racist zealot to the point where he, his family and his church are reciving DEATH THREATS he would have happily gone into retirement with nary a word.

GROW UP! It's not all about the campaign. A man's reputation and his LIFE is also on the line. I seriously hope you "journalists" reap what you sow.

Tonid, Orlando, FL (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:52 AM)

I think you are wrong about Rev. Wright. His interview with Bill Moyers was splendid. He showed what an intelligent and caring man he is. The fact that Obama took him on as a spiritual mentor shows Obama's GOOD judgment.

Moyers also showed the "questionable" Wright sermons IN CONTEXT! These clips didn't show a raving lunatic, but an impassioned liberal Christian speaking out for social justice.

The mainstream media should be ashamed at their poor journalism. Instead of repeating a 15-second sound bite a 100 times a day, why didn't MSNBC just show a 15-minute IN CONTEXT clip of the sermons in question? That simple act of good journalism would have alleviated a majority of the hysteria that the media itself created.

Rev. Wright has every right to defend his career and his message. He is not "hurting (Obama) and hurting him very badly." He's saying to the press and the right-wing, "I've held my tongue long enough, stop bashing Obama, you took me out of context, now let me speak, let get back some of my dignity.’"

And one more thing: Has MSNBC reported that Rev. Wright and his church have received death threats and bomb threats over this controversy? The media blew this out of proportion, and real lives were affected--with death threats. Why aren't you reporting that? Are you too embarrassed? Or are death threats not news anymore?

Jeff B., Washington DC (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:52 AM)

Can you guys please write an article describing your obsession with Jeremiah Wright? I think that would be way more news-worthy than what Wright is doing wrong.

Do you even know the difference between Wright and wrong?

Moving on.....

Rob (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:53 AM)

While I agree that Rev. Wright has every right to speak out in his own defense, his religious roadshow couldn't have come at a worse time, just more fodder for the press.

Obama will continue to distance himself from Rev. Wright as well he should.

There seems to be a huge cultural disconnect with Wright and the stage that Obama is now on.

As an African Americn woman, who works for an African American church, I understand to preachers sometimes say things things that make people cringe.

As they say in the media, Rev. Wright has now become the gift that keeps on giving. Too Bad Wright doesn't seem to care.

Rennie, College Park, Md (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:53 AM)

"Still, if Wright Vol. 1, “bitter,” and Pennsylvania didn’t move superdelegates, what will?" -

Exactly - and the media as usual has it wrong - because as much as it would like these issues to resonate they don't, and people are bored with this primary and tired of being told to concern themselves with non-issues.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:53 AM)

After listening to Reverend Wright's speech this morning to the National Press Club I find that he has been much maligned. He is witty and has a point that racial and religious prejudice still lives here in this country. Those who condemn him have plenty of sin to cover for as they are the ones who perpetuate this prejudice for their political gain. The media has unfairly maligned this pastor while making light of conservative pastors who say hateful nonsense like Hagee and Parsley who support McCain.

Go Obama!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:54 AM)

Re: "McCain’s harsh tone toward Obama -- on . . . even Hamas (noting that the terrorist organization prefers Obama to win the presidency)" --- say what???

Senator McCain had better check his facts and refocus his ire on Senator Clinton. As far back as the 1980’s, Senator Clinton served on the board of the New World Foundation, which gave a grant to the PLO, then designated by the United States as a terrorist group. And as First Lady, in 1996, she organized a White House conference for the American Muslim Alliance, an anti-Israel group whose leaders have sanctioned terrorism, published anti-Semitic statements and repeatedly hosted conferences that were forums for denunciations of Jews and exhortations to wage jihad. She later took a $50,000 donation from the Alliance when she ran for Senate, but disguised it on her disclosure forms as the “American Museum Alliance,” until it was discovered and she belatedly returned the money (but only after she’d forsworn use of “soft” money in the campaign, so the donation had lost its usefulness in any event). http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageld=62012 To learn more about Senator Clinton’s ties with terrorist groups, just Google “Hillary and Hamas,” and settle in for a night’s reading.

Ellie, Gainesville, VA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:54 AM)

I just happened upon Rev Wrights speech to the NAACP last night and it was a doozie. Is this guy single handedly trying to destroy Obama? Everyone must listen to it because some of his ideas about important things are completely wacko. This guy has been Obamas mentor and confidant for over 20 yrs. Obama is sunk. Its about time.

maryrose, ga (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:55 AM)

Chuck, you really missed it on the effect of Wright's defending himself. Everyone who actually took the time to listen to him (either on Moyers or CNN) realized that the MSM had lied to them with their 10 second sound bites. People who take the time to listen to him know that whatever else he is, Wright is not the demon the MSM tried to make him out to be.

Jackie, AL (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:56 AM)

The press, and MSNBC, must take the American public for complete morons if you/they paint Reverend Wright's appearances in a completely negative light. I watched Reverend Wright's appearance on Bill Moyer and was completely amazed by the man's brilliance. I do not agree with some of his statements, just as I disagree with many of Senator Obama's policies, but I admire a man who can think, cna stand firm in the face of attacks, and can show humor in a time of distress.

Many Ameerican are too blind otr jaded to listen, and in that respect, no his appearances will not help. Mainly becaus ethe MSM will filter to find the most sensational soundbites, but voters willing to listen will only better understand the hitjob done by the media and will support Senator Obama even more.

Jeremiah Wright is the Richard Jewell of this election cycle.

turnip (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:56 AM)

Jeremiah was a bullhorn...yes he was a good friend of mine...barry is going to have a tough time using the "he is my pastor" storyline from here on out...and senator mcshame should denonce the reverend hagee who hatee so much too

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:56 AM)

Did anybody in the Press actually watch Wright's speech before the NAACP? The sound bites and comments are very near propaganda and completely misrepresent the speech. I cannot help but believe these misrepresentations are deliberate and with malice. I am disappointed in Chris Matthews, Andrea Mitchell and MSNBC in general. I am a 70 year old white female from Mississippi and I understood the speech as informative and inclusive. I have gained insight into both Reverend Wright and the news media.

J. Brough, Brandon, Mississippi (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:57 AM)

I don't and never did like Hillery But if I could not vote for McCain I'd vote for her after watching that ass... Wrigth Screw obama

nickk (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:58 AM)

Obama reflects millions of Americans who also are bored with the nomination race... seemingly kept alive only by the media, which wants a race on which to report, and thus still listens to the inane arguments spewing from the once-inevitable and now ridiculous Clinton campaign.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:58 AM)

Chuck Todd, was the message to close to the truth? Did you not hear what he was saying? Cannot you not handle biblical history? Nothing more needs to be said, the press is totally unaware. God help you.

Barbara Snowberger (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:59 AM)

Let's all give the Rev a bye! After all he's only a 20 yr. mentor to Oby - his comments are probably Clinton's fault (somehow)anyway!

So, let's concentrate on Clinton's surrogates gaffes instead of the latent black racism that is currently dividing us!

WCW, Roswell, GA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:00 AM)

Why don't you guys report on what Wright's actually saying, in addition to telling us about what everyone's saying about him? If you listen to him, he doesn't sound all that crazy after all.

Matt Gabriele, Blacksburg, VA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:00 AM)

Obama was pulled away from his message. He will have to get back to it before the GE.

He must stay above the fray and keep pushing his concrete plans that encompass hope and change! They will try to drag you down to their level and if they do, you can get stuck there permanently.

If Senator Obama really wants to connect with Hillary's constituency he has to do it in person, through mail and on television. Blue-collar people also like fun and feeling like they are important. It is the reason that traveling preachers, high-energy evangelistic churches and carnivals are still so popular. Internet savvy and geriatric don't go together. Internet savvy and working-class is hit-or-miss. Debates aren't watched by someone who is working or when it conflicts with prime-time. They are watched by the Jerry Springer crowd only if they are like the last farce in Pennsylvania. Debates are useless. He has basically stated this in his response to Senator Clinton about the debates.

This is why Senator Obama should go back to big speeches in small towns. If he keeps ignoring her and addressing the people directly he will eat into her base very effectively. Senator Clinton attacked Barack Obama for his speeches because for him it is a strength and for her it is a weakness, not because they lack substance. She is incapable of anything high-energy or motivating unless it is in an us-against-them (polarizing) situation. If Senator Obama really wants to counter back about this one all he has to do is ask "I am able to attract thousands of people to an enthusiastic rally whether it is in a big town or small town, why can't she? What is it about me that she doesn't have?"

Let her answer the questions. He doesn't have to anymore.

Democrat (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:00 AM)

Wow, this site is becoming just as bad as Fox News and the rest (maybe it already was). Let's review: Obama crazy pastor is ruining Obama by trying to show people who he really is, McCain is drawing a line in the sand to attack Obama, The NYT says (not really, but we might as well finish its sentence for them) Obama is bored and Clinton could (let's just use it for her) use it against Obama, Clinton isn't letting go of the debate thing even though they just debated two weeks ago for the 21st time. Hmmmmm. Yep, just what I thought. A bunch of distractions from a main stream media source. Who would have guessed it.

Come on MSNBC--help the country, not distract us.

Pittsburgh Soldier (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:00 AM)

Another debate? Ugh.

Hillary Clinton appears to embarass herself by demanding more debates. It draws attention that she needs a public forum to get free air time.

And it sounds silly when she demands a debate without a moderator on a flat-bed truck. She may as well demand that Clinton and Obama have a spitting contest, compete on American Idol or arm wrestle to decide a winner.

sg, michigan (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:02 AM)

What's so wrong with Rev. Wright?

Only those that deny the TRUTH and will only settle for THEIR version of it, can misunderstand this man and consider him a fanatic.

He's all "wright" with me.

Florida, Florida (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:02 AM)

Question on delegates - It seems that clinton and obama are pretty much splitting delegates. How many total delegates are left to be allocated in NC, IN, KY, etc? If they split them, more or less, how many would that give Obama? He only needs under 400 more, so if he got close to the magic number wouldn't the superdelegates feel pressure to move in his direction? If he got close and then he cut a deal to split FL and MI (even if he took less than half of those delegates) would that put him over the top? Thanks for anyone who can clarify this.

Rob In Boston (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:02 AM)

The man needs some help and we all need to pray for him.

Go Hillary!

Hillary4President, California (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:03 AM)

Your first read usually has a little more substance. Did any of you guys actually listen to what Rev. Wright actually said? Are we that far gone, that vapid symbols really matter more than ideas?

Brenden (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:03 AM)

As an Obama supporter I have a hard time not believing that there has been some coordination between Obama and Rev. Wright. Recently the press has repeatedly said that that the Republicans would use this against him in the general. Well it looks to me that the Obama ppl are trying to head them off now rather than later. So far the press has been somewhat kind to Wright since Thursday. I get the impression that they are giving the press and the country some new sound bites to run. The only way to get the Wright issue solved is to change the impression that ppl have of him. In other words defend him. Obama can't do it so Wright has to. If they media won't stop talking about Wright then gamble on giving them something different to talk about and see if America can handle it. He has the nomination sewed up so dealing with the Wright issue in a slow and steady was is smart in context of the GE

Yes We Can.

Andre, Seattle, WA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:03 AM)

Maybe it's because I majored in Religious Studies, but I thoroughly enjoyed the Jeremiah Wright interview with Bill Moyers. Wright is extremely well-educated, and he is spot-on with his interpretations of scripture through the lens of liberation theology.

However, I can understand that our sound-byte culture doesn't like spending an hour of their time listening to the subtleties of a theological argument, so in that sense, Wright's extra exposure may be hurting Obama with the general public. But as an academic, Wright has every responsibility to defend himself.

Johnny Bananas, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:03 AM)

I think Rev. Wright is enjoying his new found celebrity. He is so full of himself. I could never sit in a church with a pastor who speaks with such a ranting and raving voice. I would surely get a headache. Obama makes excuses for him by saying he is from the old generation, but he is obsessed with it. How can Obama claim to make change when sits in a church for 20 yrs. with a pastor who is so stuck in the past?

ge`pa` (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:04 AM)

Don't you think maybe this "Comments" feature has run its course?

Why waste staff energy and resources editing and putting up nonsense every day when it is your commentary that makes this blog valuable?

Think about it.

Mark Thieme (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:04 AM)

There are comments!!!!

MSNBC just refuses to post them.

Independent Voter, FL (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:04 AM)

How can John McCain attack Obama over Wright, when he was endorsed by, and continues to defend, John Hagee? This guy comes on television every Sunday morning in my area, still preaching hatred of Islam and supporting his statement that hurricane Katrina was God's punishment to New Orleans.

Robbie Williamson, Austin, TX (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:05 AM)

Jimmy Carter endorses Obama, Rev. Wright does the same, and now Hamas. Barack nearly has this presidency locked up. Is Hamas a superdelegate?

Lilo Stitch (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:05 AM)

Your ranting about Jeremiah Wright is to do what? I mean, you can change your position to being a commentator instead of someone who should be give the news and let us decipher it ourselves. I am frankly offended by your characterization. You know what, if Obama must be linked to everything Jeremiah does then so be it. Maybe that's what he's talking about being different. Why can't you understand just because you believe a certain way does not necessarily make it so?

Doles, Miami, FL (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:06 AM)

Go ahead tell People what to think about Wright & his Brilliant speech @ the NAACP, his telling open honest interview w/ Moyers, make it all about Obama instead of the man actually speaking, who by the way has contributed more to this society than most of the media pundits combined. If you really gave one ounce a care about our Country you'd help open the minds of Americans to Rev. Wright's different, not deficient thinking. I guess it's more important to keep your job than speak truth to power. Reverend Wright is a National treasure & if Obama's made a single misstep in "dealing with" the Wright "controversy" it would be not correctly framing the issue & not supporting Wright more forcefully. People fear what they don't understand & instead of nurturing societal growth the powers that be continue to stoke that fear. BOOOOOOOOOH!!!!

Chip Chapman Portland, OR (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:06 AM)

I watched Wright's interview on PBS Friday night, and I thought he seemed totally reasonable and correct in everything he said. PBS was courteous enough to play his controversial quotes in context, and after hearing them, I don't understand why Obama didn't stand up for what Wright said. There really wasn't anything that bad in what Wright said.

John, Charlottesville, Va (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:06 AM)

But all of you are NOT going to cover Obama's stump speech. You are all going to continue to bloviate about Reverend Wright. Someone on one of the news stations said it best...."Then let every Catholic politician go and denounce and reject the Catholic Church for continuing to sit in the pews while children are being sexually abused." This is what we all need to ask ourselves. What is it that scares the stuffing out of this country about free speech? From Mitt Romney who got a tough tow because he is a Mormon to Obama to McCain switching religious denominations. What is up with how hung up we are on Religion? Has Hillary switched her Church lately...? Has she even gone to Church lately? We have yet to cover this baloney on her too.

Barbara C., - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:06 AM)

It's interesting to watch...Hillary is willing to destroy her party for the (slim) chance of a nomination and the presidency, and Jeremiah Wright is willing to destroy his friend and candidate by continuing to latch onto his fifteen minutes of fame as if it wa an alligator he was wrestling. Why is the Democratic Party letting these egomaniacs destroy their chances at the white hose? Isn't there ANYONE who can tell them to SHUT UP AND QUIT, ALREADY?!? If someone doesn't, we will soon be saluting McShame. Ego should NOT be a reason to stay in the news!

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:07 AM)

This man, Rev. Wright, has been assailed in and vilified first by the PRESS, and yet you now call him 'vain' and 'selfish' to go out and defend himself against character assassination? Just more of the press doing what it does, attack and tear down to the delighted glee of a media market that thrives on spectacle, real or conjured.

To the point, whether or not Wright's appearances help or hurt Sen. Obama's campaign: It's NOT one-sided as this post and most of the talking heads seem to suggest, rather for those media outlets who will slice and dice these comments, find the worst possible and spin them endlessly with the others, for those voters who will digest only 30 second sound bites, yes, he hurts Obama. HOWEVER, for those voters who seek information, if they don't listen to his entire sermons (too long), perhaps these speeches give them pause, to reflect not only on the media's unfair vilification, but also realise that his opinions might be different from Obama's.

In short, do his appearances harm Obama? Perhaps, but they're unlikely to change many minds gainst Obama; do they help Obama? Perhaps, but the up-side of more voters perhaps changing their minds and voting FOR Obama does exist.

Joe, Indianapolis (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:08 AM)

Rev. Wright is not running for president. Barack Obama is. They are not the same person.

Laura, Milwaukee, WI (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:08 AM)

It's going to get worse for Senator Obama.

Good luck Dems!!!

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:08 AM)

I'm so upset by this. Why does this guy have to do this when Obama is trying to regroup, a week away from critical primaries? And why is the media covering all this live. There are so many more important things to cover about Obama than Wright, bowling, bitter. The most important issue for voters is who is best equipped to bring about change. Why not focus on that with both Obama and Clinton? Obama is running for president, not Reverend Wright. This denigration of a fanastic candidate by stupid distractions makes me very, very sad. I believe in being tough on cadidates. Rip Obama apart on his Iraq War plan, the fact that he doesn't have a lot of expereince, his health care plan, or any of his positions. But to knock him down based on these things is so misguided and unfair.

EC (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:09 AM)

I'm GLAD Rev. Wright is not hiding.

He's more intellegent than his critics who rush to judgement about him and then take pride in the fact that they can unapologetically MISLEAD millions of people who are stupid enough to let pundits do their thinking for them.

More power to him.

vicki, florida (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:15 AM)

The pundits have been wrong so many times. They will be wrong again here.

Mark, Houston Texas (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:16 AM)

I bet the republicans cannot wipe the smiles off their faces today. They are smelling a win come November.

Chad (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:16 AM)

I think all of MSNBC must be for Hillary. The entire speech was moving and wonderful. This is ONE SMART man....he didn't hurt Obama...if everyone would watch it and listen to the man they could see that. What is wrong with you? I have switched to CNN...much better campaign coverage...balanced. You guys no longer are....and it is too bad.

Suzy Q in VA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:17 AM)

I'm just curious as to what another debate would accomplish. HRC is only interested in debating Obama's weaknesses - not the issues. He has been fairly restrained in regards to rehashing her and Bill's former years in the White House, much less her outright lies and hypocrisies. In understand that she is involved in a court case accusing her and Bill of fraud - Obama hasn't even mentioned it. Why would he ever agree to get in the tank with that bloodthirsty piranha?

Elise Denton, TX (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:17 AM)

To say Mr. Todd that Reverand Wright speaking out hurts Mr. Obama is surrendering that America is not quite ready or sophisticated enough to have a meaningful dialogue about the Black experience in America - period

Rob Winnipeg Canada (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:17 AM)

When do we start to talk about the crazy Reverend whose endorsed McCain?

RX, Balt (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:17 AM)

How can you fools say Obama is bored --IF HE DID NOT SAY THAT!!

More Hillary Help from MSM (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:17 AM)

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