First thoughts: Does Wright go away?

Posted: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:26 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Is today the day Wright goes away? Maybe -- at least in the context of the Obama-Clinton campaign. As we speculated yesterday, if there was a silver lining to Wright dominating the news, it was that voters were easily able to distinguish between the two men. Reviews of Wright’s performance at the National Press Club were absolutely brutal. The New York Times’ Alessandra Stanley wrote, “Wright revealed himself to be the compelling but slightly wacky uncle who unsettles strangers but really just craves attention… Wright doesn’t hate America, he loves the sound of his own voice.” If yesterday was the end of the Wright story, then the next week may actually be something the Obama camp looks forward to. Bob Herbert perhaps put Obama’s last six weeks the best: "Obama seems more and more like someone buffeted by events, rather than in charge of them.” And that's something that he has to change soon if he hopes to change the subject in time to put Clinton away on May 6. Also, Obama began a stronger pushback on Wright late last night, per NBC’s Andrea Mitchell: "My opponents realize they don't have the better argument so what they're now saying is 'Well, I don't know about Obama. You know, we, we gotta, we gotta know more about him and you know, he doesn't wear a flag pin. His former pastor said something and he's, he's got uh, we don't know what his values are. We don't know if he's patriotic. He's got a funny name, you know, it sounds, sounds Muslim.’ That, that's what's dominated. That is what has dominated political coverage over the last several weeks."

*** The downballot effect: Republicans are certainly linking Obama to Democrats running in two upcoming special congressional elections. In Mississippi, Greg Davis (R) is running an ad using Jeremiah Wright against Travis Childers (D). And in Louisiana, Freedom’s Watch is airing an ad whacking Don Cazayoux (D) by tying him to Obama’s health-care agenda. As our friends at Hotline noted yesterday, these Democrats have been unable to easily swat away these attacks. “Both Dems have succeeded so far by avoiding the liberal tag, and in many cases, the Dem label. But in an interview on XM radio 4/26, Childers avoided discussing the WH race like the plague. In Cazayoux's response ad to GOP attacks, he also ignored the WH contest. Both answers seemed greatly lacking.” But Democrats -- who are thrilled to be playing in these two contests, especially the one in Mississippi -- believe that attacks on Obama could help turn out the sizable African-American populations in both districts. Still, the GOP using Obama in downballot races presents this dilemma to Democrats: Until Obama (or Clinton) wraps up the nomination, it’s hard for the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC to whack back at these kind of attacks on their downballot candidates. And this is why it seems Obama can't beat back these attacks; He's getting hit on three or four fronts, and there are no third-party groups who can help back him up because these groups aren't ready to pick between Clinton and Obama just yet.

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd talks about the aftermath of yesterday's Wright speech, the debate over a Summer gas-tax holiday, and the continued fight for superdelegates.

*** Pump it up: If it hadn’t been for Wright's appearance yesterday, there would have been a substantive policy debate over an issue that would have received a ton of coverage. The issue? A gas-tax holiday. The matter actually has interesting alliances. McCain and Clinton favor a temporary halt to the 18.4-cent federal gas tax (although Clinton calls for a tax on oil company profits to pay for it), while Obama and the White House oppose it. A gas-tax holiday might be good politics -- pander bears anyone? -- but it's viewed by some as lousy policy. In fact, the New York Times confirms Obama’s argument that such a holiday would save consumers no more than $30, about a half of tank of gas. But pander politics can trump intellectual arguments in the short term.

*** Electability watch: Lots of new information for superdelegates to weigh today: A new AP/Ipsos poll has Clinton doing MUCH better against McCain than Obama does; another poll has Obama beating McCain in Wisconsin, but Clinton losing to the Arizona Republican; elected superdelegates, per the Wall Street Journal, see Obama as being the better candidate for Dem downballot candidates; but NRCC chair Tom Cole adds his two cents: “I think [Obama’s] the weaker candidate.” What do all of these things tell us? Doesn’t look like much has changed, at least for now.

*** McCain’s house call: Last week it was poverty; this week it's health care. For a candidate who has been hit with being a one-trick pony (Iraq and national security), McCain is doing what he can to make sure folks realize he'll have a robust domestic agenda. Beginning yesterday, he has launched a week-long focus on health care this week. His plan, not surprisingly is reliant on the free market, which he hopes will drive down the cost of health care by slowly moving folks away from having to rely on employers for health care. The Washington Post identifies a $5,000 tax credit as the centerpiece of McCain's proposal, which would be used for individuals to search out the best insurance for their needs. McCain will also borrow a page from Mike Huckabee and talk about prevention and nutrition. McCain backs up his launch with a statewide TV buy in Iowa focused on health care. Meanwhile, the SEIU begins a $1 million TV ad campaign in Ohio hitting McCain for his lack of attention on rising health-care costs. The ad features Bush and McCain hugging and even shows Bush kissing McCain (a visual we bet we'll see again and again and again). There will be a similar ad set to run in DC and West Virginia, but the Ohio buy is a big one and dwarfs, for instance, any anti-McCain spot the DNC has aired to date.

*** Slow ride, take it Easley: In Raleigh, NC this morning, Clinton received one of her biggest endorsements in the last couple of months -- from North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley -- who comes from one of the upcoming pivotal states: North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley. Per NBC/NJ’s Carrie Dann, Easley was long suspected of being in the Clinton camp, but many believed that he would stay neutral. One key to Clinton's past victories in Ohio and Pennsylvania were the huge endorsements from the governors in those states. Easley's endorsement comes just one week before the state's primary, so Clinton might not be able to tap into his political network/machine the way she did with Strickland’s and Rendell’s. But Easley's help, no matter how late, certainly doesn’t hurt. That said, while Easley is retiring after this year, Obama has endorsements from North Carolina's two gubernatorial candidates. What does that tell us about the makeup of the primary electorate?

*** Crunching the numbers: While Clinton picked up a superdelegate with Easley’s endorsement, Obama yesterday got his own from New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman. Here are the counts: SUPERDELEGATES: Clinton 265-242 (288 uncommitted); PLEDGED: Obama 1,490-1,334; OVERALL: Obama 1,733-1,599.

*** On the trail: After her event in Raleigh, NC, Clinton makes six stops in the Hoosier State -- Indianapolis, Gary, Hobart, Evansville, Princeton, and South Bend; McCain, still in Florida, speaks at a cancer research center at the University of South Florida in Tampa and then raises money in Tampa and Bonita Springs; and Obama holds town halls in Winston-Salem and Hickory, NC. Also, Bill Clinton stumps for his wife in North Carolina.

Countdown to North Carolina, Indiana: 7 days
Countdown to West Virginia: 14 days
Countdown to Kentucky and Oregon: 21 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 189 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 266 days

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Comments

Dear Senator Obama-

Please go back to taking the high road, and please go back to inspiring us the way you did earlier in the campaign. Frankly I do not care any more what the media, your opponents, or other detractors say about Rev. Wright, etc. Your phrase ‘silly season’ is most appropriate, and you have correctly stated this has nothing to do with your campaign or the issues facing our country.

We supporters have seen in you that which we want our country to become. We realize that you are also engaging us to work with you to deliver us out of this malaise. We want our good name back around the world, and our country working again in harmony. Your speeches are not just words filled with hyperbole and hope. They are our marching orders.

I for one do not believe our party will remain divided through the general election. I foresee a challenging general election campaign; maybe even a record turnout of voters. I am convinced that you will be elected, and will serve admirably and with distinction. I know that you will first and foremost be Presidential, and will fulfill your role as Commander-on-Chief only when necessary- not primarily as some may wish.

Hope by its very nature cannot be negative in definition or connotation. We hope because we care. We care as much as you, and as much as your fellow countrymen. We hope your Inaugural Address will be as profound as any ever given, and will jump start our nation to greater achievements.

Sincerely, A Weary Nation Needs You

A Weary Nation Needs You (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:32 AM)

The RNC is trying like hell to protect their weak candidate and get Obama as the Dem nominee.

They are scared to death Hillary may be president after all the stuff they have planed to keep her out. She is fighting on and they are in shock that she will foil their plan to have the newbie sacrificial lamb to roast!
Think about it, take a look at the FOX rape guys, they say NICE things about Hillary?? It is not to be believed, they out did them selves and MSMBC is the Barry cheer leading section! CNN are Barry cheer leaders and FOX?? FOX is good to Hillary?? I ask you WTF!!!!?????

HP Boston (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:34 AM)

Why is it you guys always lead off with Clinton's itinerary in the 'On the Trail'Section, followed by McCain, and always finish with Obama?

Just Curious, USA (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:34 AM)

Hillary Clinton for President, 2008!
THE BEST, MOST ELECTABLE CANDIDATE IS THE ONE WHO SHOULD GET THE NOMINATION!

Obama wll get SKUNKED in 'the general' (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:35 AM)

I’ve got some “first thoughts” of my own today:

- The American “media”, for all its channels, is no better than the government controlled media of other countries. Instead of reporting the news, they simply regurgitate the “narrative” of the day, complete with predictable “opinions” and “analysis”. How is this better than a government controlled media?

-How is it that if Rev. Wright praises Farrakhan it is “news”, but when Ed Rendell does it it isn’t?

- How is it that Senator Obama is held “accountable” for the thoughts of his former pastor, but Hillary Clinton is in no way held accountable for the actions of her HUSBAND, the former President, who accepts money which goes into her account to advocate for things she “says” she doesn’t believe in?

-Why is it not possible for Senator Obama to agree with Reverend Wright on many of the problems facing America, but disagree on the solution? Why does the media try to make everything black or white, right or wrong when the truth is ALWAYS somewhere in the shades of gray?

- How is it that when Senator Clinton launches negative attacks on Senator Obama she is a “fighter”, but when Senator Obama responds he is “off message”. If he doesn’t respond he is “weak” or “aloof”?

- How is it that Senator McCain and Clinton have a lifetime of shady that receive ZERO media coverage?

I am so glad that Senator Obama has run for President. No matter the outcome of the election, it has opened my eyes to the fact that there is no such thing as “the news” in America. Only the cynical opinions of political operatives seeking their own advantage at the expense of the American people.

Obama ‘08

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:36 AM)

"My opponents realize they don't have the better argument so what they're now saying is 'Well, I don't know about Obama. You know, we, we gotta, we gotta know more about him and you know, he doesn't wear a flag pin. His former pastor said something and he's, he's got uh, we don't know what his values are. We don't know if he's patriotic. He's got a funny name, you know, it sounds, sounds Muslim.’ That, that's what's dominated. That is what has dominated political coverage over the last several weeks."

Ha! Call them out, soon-to-be Mr. President.

"But pander politics can trump intellectual arguments in the short term."

They sure can, when scholars like you are in charge of the news coverage.

squintz, philly, pa (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:38 AM)

Okay, finally the media is seeing the Reverend for what he is now becoming - at first a defender of his sound bites, and now an out and out attention getter. The media gave him his platform and he doesn’t want to give it up.

I do hope the voters in Indiana and North Carolina will see the obvious: Barack Obama is not Rev. Wright. They are from two different generations.

I can remember very well when I was a kid back in the early 1960’s, the news came out that the Berlin Wall was going up in Germany. I remember how stunned the world reacted. I also remember very well when JFK was assassinated and how stunned the world reacted.

What I don’t recall for some reason is that when I left my home for either church or to go to school back then, that down in the south, children my own age were being prevented from getting a good education. Their homes and churches were being bombed and children were being killed. I didn’t know much about any of this at the time it was happening.

No one in my church or in my classroom spoke of it. Nor did anyone in my home that I recall.

So as an adult, while I always hunger for insights about the history of our country - our entire history - I am smart enough to figure out that the Reverend and Obama’s experiences are different.

They are two completely different people from two completely different generations. It is unfair and more importantly, ignorant to apply the Reverend’s words to Obama’s.

What I learned years ago is that the more you read, the more you understand. And because of that - the less hateful and prejudice you become.

Time to move on with the very important issues facing us all in this primary.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:38 AM)

"Wright doesn’t hate America, he loves the sound of his own voice."
*****************************************************

INDEED. We need to treat this guy like a five-year-old - just simply ignore him. My guess is that he will eventually end his temper tantrum and crawl back to Chicago.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:39 AM)

As long as Obama continues to talk about the issues an stays away from Wright, he should do fine. Jay Leno was cutting jokes last night about Wright being on Hillary's payroll. One has to wonder if that is really not a joke. As I have said all along, The Clinton's will use any trick to their advantage.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:39 AM)

How about reporting the New York Daily News story from this morning. Turns out the Wright Speech yesterday morning at the Nation Press Club was organized by an outspoken Clinton supporter. Can you say setup?

Same Old Politics, LA, California (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:42 AM)

As a North Carolinian I just want to point out that out-going Gov. Easley is not very popular, to say the least. Both Democratic primary candidates endorsed Obama early. I know to people looking in from other states this must look good for Hillary but here in NC it really is not.

Diane, Apex, NC (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:43 AM)

Neither distractions of non-candidates nor failed policies will heal America's problems.

As long as our nation's resources are funneled into the increasing spiral of war, as our two more traditional or stereotypical candidates would have it, we will never be able to heal our economy. We will not be able to reduce our national debt, repair our infrastructure, maintain both interest rates and inflation at low levels, and bring new and better jobs to America. Olny Barack Obama's reasoned and common sense approach to national security policy will make it possible to heal our economy.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:43 AM)

In regard to the "electability watch". The poll you're telling us about it the opposite of other polls. You should tell us about the latest Zogby poll. Republican John McCain trails Democrat Barack Obama by three points in a national general election test, but leads Democrat Hillary Clinton by 10 points, the latest Zogby Interactive survey shows.

GO OBAMA!

Keith in PA (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:43 AM)

RENEWED DREAM TICKET TALK: A thought worth putting in the ether?: This might be the week that Obama should approach Clinton (thru back doors) about a joint ticket. She might jumps at it before she loses Indiana (maybe) or losses any claim to a popular vote lead by losing NC (certainly). Next week, everyone will be talking about math again. A VP offer would be Obama putting his unity talk into practice, and could put this primary battle to rest. Bill Clinton's point about her appeal to working class whites and his appeal to younger and wealthier democrats has never seemed more right.

Geoff in Brooklyn (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:44 AM)

Obama's wright problem:
Like bush looking into the "heart of Putin" and seeing a "good man", Obama has shown he has very poor judgement.

and judgement is all he has beside "hope".

Dear weary: Obama isn't "hope", Hell , he sued every other dem and indy off the ballot to get elected to the state senate.
He's a dirty nasty pol.

Tuck (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:45 AM)

Well, he has just inspired Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler - another super for obama.

Keep it up!

Ray (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:45 AM)

As a Hillary supporter who will vote Obama if he's the nominee, I am sickened already by the Repukes exploiting and misappropriating the entire Rev. Wright nonsense. It just shows they think Americans are stupid, and that the the GOP is actually nothing mroe than a front for narrow minded racists.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:45 AM)

Obama...focus on the issues and not the distractions. America want's to hear about how your policies will impact their lives.

Stay focus and you will win North Carolina and Indiana.

Maddog, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:45 AM)

"Obama seems more and more like someone buffeted by events, rather than in charge of them.”

Just has every President in our modern era has been. How is it possible to not be "buffeted by events"?

Really and truly, are there any requirements for being an political "analyst" anymore, or do we all just have to sift through the non-stop onslaught of fairly obvious "observations" that are being pawned off as news these days?

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:46 AM)

Scandal

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/29/clinton-booster-organized_n_99129.html

Nj (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:46 AM)

Again, Obama speaks the truth and Hillary panders, and panders.

Rev Wright is old news. He is no longer Barack's minister, he is not part of his campaign. When can the media let it go?
On the other hand, Old news and part of Hillary's campaign is Bill, who lest we forget was convicted of perjury, impeached, and disbarred. You tell me who has the most baggage? And that does not include the Paul v Clinton fraud suit beginning it's discovery phase.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:47 AM)

Thank you Mark Murray for pointing out the American people (if not the journalists) can tell the difference between Wright and Obama. I have to tell you though, I feel so depressed. Last night I followed a link to the Huffington Post to Brian William's blog where he praised Peggy Noonan's essay in the WSJ on how unfair it is that people who don't fit the stereotype of a terrorist have to endure screening in airports and how Obama is sobby and elitist and his American "bona vides" are suspect because he doesn't wear a flag pin. Is there no escaping the right wing media? I already boycott ABC and CBS, do I have to boycott Brian Wlliams too? At this point, I only trust Mark Murray.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:47 AM)

No Todd, Wright doesn't go away if you keep asking the stupid question. Sounds like a conspiracy to me of corporate media dictates and powerful lobby interests. You are part of this disgusting group who on your own decide the stories to be covered. Why not get off your fat butt and investigate Clinton's continuing complaint about China and reveal that her husband was responsible for the plant she discusses moving overseas. Or you can be the lazy MSM who just twiddles your thumb and rehashes Wright over and over again. It's your choice...or is it your boss's choice?

Debra, Austin, Tex. (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:49 AM)

Yes, stay the course Sir. With the entire world in a chaotic state, we desperately need your voice of reason and diplomacy. I certainly do not envy your upcoming task as President ie;Cleaning up the devastation of the last 10 years. There will be no miracles and it may take much time but if anyone can do it you can.
Obama '08

OWL 69, Phx, AZ (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:50 AM)

Someone from the Obama Campaign Please Read This...

Barack, we are waiting for you to get mad as hell! Kick Rev. Wright to the curb, disown him, whatever. And do it NOW! We want to be assured that you are a fighter and you have the b***s to push away your detractors and fight. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE FIGHTING FOR US WHEN YOU ARE PRESIDENT. SHOW THAT YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO LEAD...PLEASE LEAD NOW. SHOW THAT YOU TRULY ARE "BARACKY". THE TIME IS NOW! SHOW YOUR METAL!

Larry, Union KY (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:50 AM)

I’ve watched your * “coverage” of Rev. Wright for weeks, now. I’ve listened to the carefully selected “sound bites” and “clips” you* have chosen to portray the unfair and biased image you* want that will support your* agenda … and, I’m sick and tired of the constant and continuing abuse of the Second Amendment Rights by the television news media.

This is not about what Rev. Wright said or meant by what he said. If you* were even remotely interested in reporting what he said and what he meant by what he said, you* would not be so prejudiced in your* editing and selection of what you* choose to let your* audience see and hear. I have listened to his sermon in its entirety … have you? Did the U.S. sell biological weapons to Iraq? Has the U.S. employed unethical means and methods to use humans as test guinea pigs? Have black citizens of this country been treated unfairly by the U.S.? Did the U.S. take by force the land we now call “ours” from those who were here before us? What aren’t you* reporting on the validity or falsehood of Rev. Wright’s comments?

This is about the fact that America’s TV media has slipped way beyond incompetence, well into the realm of sinister opinion control of the masses. You* are guilty of deliberate, mean spirited, blatantly wrong reporting in an uncontrolled effort to sway public opinion regardless of the facts … regardless of the harm you* do … regardless of the truth.

I know that my observations and criticisms are falling on deaf ears … worse yet … falling on uncaring ears. I know you* have no care nor concern about the harm that you* do. But, I would be neglectful of my responsibilities as a citizen if I didn’t convey this observation to you*.

Bill James
Demopolis, Alabama

*The use of “you” refers to ALL TV, especially cable TV, news networks.

Bill James, Demopolis, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:51 AM)

The Republican character who said they now wanted Obama is clearly doing that so they will get Clinton. Obama supporters need to step up and donate, step up and call voters, step up and volunteer in the states coming up. Clinton, by her silence, and McCain, by his non-silence, are trying to marginalize Obama and "blacken" and stigmatize him as a Wright-alike. We must show them that this is playing into Clinton's dirty politics game and needs to be stopped. We need to boycott stations that run the Wright stuff over and over, and support those that deal with real news. Do the parents of a soldier killed this past weekend give a crap about nutty Wright's sentiments? No. Does the family that has to stick with their gas guzzler because they can't afford a new car give a crap about Wright? No. Does the woman with cancer who can't get health insurance give a crap about Wright? No. They want and deserve real coverage and debate about these subjects, and need to hear a lot less about the kooky Rev. Wright! Hillary is threatening to blow up the middle east and it's barely mentioned! What the heck is this country coming to? Hopefully our press is not a reflection of what we really care about!!

LB, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:51 AM)

MSNBC - please post this.
People will not distinguish between WRight and Obama. Obama has said and written about how Wright introduced him to Christ. Obama never left Wright's side. He joined his church and has been under the tutelge of Wright and no one else. He happily stayed there and supported this man and this church for 20 years. He has publicly stated that he is like an uncle to him and that he cannot disown him any more than he can disown the black community. He has solidified his relationship with this man for 20 years. He obviously was very comfortable with this man and his opinions, otherwise Obaman would have left his side many, many years ago. He is now stuck with him. Denying him now would look exactly like Wright has been saying - a politician doing and saying what he needs to for the sole purpose of getting elected.

He has been irreparably damaged (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:52 AM)

Newsflash to MSM...Wright will not go away until you guys stop covering him and giving him a platform.

Man oh man, there's lots more news-worthy stuff out there. I'm one of your viewers NOT WATCHING the man. He holds no interest for me, he bores me. He is not Obama...Obama is separate from Wright, that's becoming increasingly clear.

Obama for our best future 08

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Obama (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:52 AM)

you have correctly stated this has nothing to do with your campaign or the issues facing our country
*******
Weary Nation: It has everything to do with Obama's campaign. What kind of judgement did he exercise in sitting in those pews for 20 yrs listening to that hate-filled, anti-American spew? What kind of JUDGEMENT did he exercise in taking his innocent daughters to a church where it is acceptable for a pastor to swear and make sexual gyrations in the pulpit? How HONEST is Obama? He prayed with Wright just before his campaign announcement BUT he left Wright hidden in the basement because he KNEW he was controversial. How HONEST has Obama been regarding his relationship with Wright? He dedicated his book to his spiritual mentor. He set there for 20 yrs. He's called him close enough to be an "uncle." Yet, at first when the tapes appeared, he said he'd never heard any such anti-American statements out of Wright. Then, he admitted he did hear some controversial things. How HONEST is he when he wants people to believe he's something different and yet his close friend, uncle, spiritual advisor Wright said "He's a politician." How HONEST is he when he says he will represent all people when he sat in that church and embraced its theology of separatism? As far as your statement, Weary, that the party will come together, speak for yourself. I will NEVER vote for Obama. He is dangerous, dishonest and lacks the judgement I want in a President.

think (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:52 AM)

Maybe Rush was right when he said Wright really wants Obama to loose, so he can say he was "wright". Americans are prejudice against blacks.

Brother Odd (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:52 AM)

Thank God the Super Delegates have the ability to take their time and see where this whole Wright thing is going. I have no doubt that Obama does not take his marching orders from Wright but there is no denying the fact that Obama attended his church and bought in to the message Wright preached.

In an attempt to defend Obama from his critics a number of Black ministers have made the point that Wright does not speak for the Black community and that his views are not representative of the community at large. I have no doubt that this is true. But the nature of Wright's relationship with the Black community is not the issue...the nature of Wright's relationship with Obama is.

Undoubtedly, there are thousands of Black churches in the US and there may be hundreds in the Chicago community alone. And of all the choices that Obama could have made he made only one, and that was to attend the hchurch and participate spiritually as well as financially to assist the good Rev. Wright in spreading his version of the Gosple and American History.

campdog (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:52 AM)

This too will pass.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:53 AM)

We've got your back. We are not going anywhere.
$50.00 more.

Obama '08

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:53 AM)

SUPERDELEGATES: Clinton 265-242 (288 uncommitted); PLEDGED: Obama 1,491-1,334; OVERALL: Obama 1,733-1,599.

Magic Number: 78

Assuming the pledged delegate difference remains the same after the remaining contests, which is likely, that leaves the magic number for Obama at 78. Meaning... he needs to pick up 78 super delegates to make it impossible for Clinton to pass him. If he gets 100 of the remaining 288, it would put a lock on the nomination.

Clinton needs to start picking up 3 supers for every 1 that Obama gets or she'll never catch up. Even if he picks up just 1 for each of her 2 supers, he'll reach 2024 first. And right now he's picking up supers at an even rate or higher than her.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:53 AM)

What if Senator Obama is what we are afraid he might be?, A true believer of Rev Wright.
Wouldn't a little bit of honest vetting by the press in the beginning have sorted this out a long time ago.

bw cinti,ohio (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:54 AM)

Wright does not go away. He is having the time of his life. The influence that Wright has over Obama is worrisome. Statements made by Michelle Obama and lots of statments made in Obama's book indicate that they are right in sync with Wright. Obama said, that Wright was not there when he announced his run for president. In fact, he was adn they had prayer in the basement. He keeps Jesse * Sharpton in the closet and Wright in the basement. Is that anyway to treat freinds. Obama does not tell the truth at least not the whole truth. When the Wright
controversary started Obama first said this and then said that and then said this again. I do not trust Obama. I feel he and his left of left-wing friends have a secret agenda and it is not good for America.
I feel very strongly that Obama should not become president.

Just so NO to Obama & Wright & Michelle & Ayers & they whole gang of left of left-wingers. (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:54 AM)

Obama needs to angrily denounce Wright and everything he stands for. Why should he have any loyalty to a "friend" who seems out to ruin him just to stay in the spotlight? Cut him loose and get back to the issues we love and admire you for so much, Senator Obama!

Class warrior, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:54 AM)

Enough is enough..it is time for fair and balanced reporting between the 2 Democratic candidates. Hillary's former pastor is now a convicted pedophile..should we hold her accountable for his action? While I certainly DON"T believe that the government has plotted to spread AIDS in the African American community...I must ask this question, Does the Tuskeegee Experiment ring a bell to anyone? Hillary has said that she would have left Rev. Wright's church if she had been a member, well then why was it perfectly acceptable for her and her husband to invite Rev. Wright along with 24 other African American Ministers to the White House for prayer during their darkest days when impeachment was on the horizon. Give us a break. What's good for the goose must be good for the gander

Estina Baker, Hackensack, NJ (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:55 AM)

Love the "pander bears".

Vnd, Long Beach, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:55 AM)

He says what has to get elected..He was o.k. with me when I baptized his kids and married him to his wife.. I just hate the not the people who vote the goverment in..Just keep clinging to your bitter religion and guns you anger whites that why it's the first time I'm proud

nickk (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:55 AM)

OMG!!

Sorry folks, there is no high road left for Obama....

The Great Unifier,

All the country is talking about these days, is differences in Race and Religion.... Not a whole lot of unification going on... with these two topics. They are hot button issues and they are all about division...

Obama is not a leader!! He is a slicked up extremely well packaged candidate, but (nothing) comes across as leadership. He always seems to follow.... Where is the brilliance, there is none, he ducks debates despite saying all the time how there are so many issues he would love to have a debate on... He consistently says about issues "now that's a debate I would like to have" but the truth is he does poorly with debates because he has to stand on his own two feet.... Ted Kennedy, and John Kerry and the multitudes of surrogates can't hold him up when he is asked questions, and has not place to hide.

Obama is weak on issues, he is weak in debates, he is weak in and on everything... He is just a very weak candidate who has had a brilliant manager who has managed to keep him protected along with critical help from the media/pundits. But that's not working anymore, Obama in a bottle time, has passed. The genie is out of the bottle. The brilliant Chameleon Lizard, has lost his ability to fade into the surroundings, he is politics as usual, more divisive than usual, nothing close to what he and his campaign have portrayed him to be.

Obama's problem is the campaign has gone on too long, it has given "the people" time to get to know him.... "We" are thankful to Hillary for that.

Anti Reaganess

Anti Reaganess, Columbus Georgia (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:55 AM)

The polls are starting to behave like the weather … wait a few minutes and they'll change.

Clinton cannot win.

http://gibbsv.blogspot.com/

Sam, Muncie, Ind. (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:55 AM)

Of COURSE the Repugs think Obama is the weaker candidate. They so BADLY want to run against Clinton, so they are trying to destroy Obama so Clinton has a chance.

RobK, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:56 AM)

Frankly the tone with which Wright speaks AGAINST obama sound like a man who has been hired to cripple Obama. Whether or not he is nominated, or elected, Obama MUSt fully distance himself from Wright - that man clearly stands against Obama, and now working with Obama's opponents.

sem, va (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:56 AM)

"And this is why it seems Obama can't beat back these attacks; He's getting hit on three or four fronts, and there are no third-party groups who can help back him up because these groups aren't ready to pick between Clinton and Obama just yet."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It is not up to Senator Obama to beat back these attacks . . . he has answered these questions repeatedly. It is up to the "media" and the American people to decide if we want 4 more years of Bush-like patriotic make believe (Everything will be okay if we just wear our flag pins and pretend like we are turning the corner in Iraq) or 4 more years of Clinton-era pandering, double talk, and double dealing (Rail against the "special interests" in public, take their money and do their bidding in private).

Senator Obama has presented the clear choice. I choose change. It seems the "media" chooses flag pins. Oh well, they will still have alot to talk about with all the foreclosures, plant closings, and chaos in Iraq. What do they have to lose?

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:57 AM)

"That said, while Easley is retiring after this year, Obama has endorsements from North Carolina's two gubernatorial candidates. What does that tell us about the makeup of the primary electorate?"
------------------------------------------------------
How about lending some insight and taking a stance? All of this weak and a lazy reporting is nausiating. If you wish to infer that the electorate is black, you should make that point clearer. If you're too much of a "tip-toe through the tulips" kind of guy leave the inference alone. If you are trying to infer that Obama is the better canidate, the same applies. But don't be a wishy washy wuss and fan racial flames from afar.

Dave, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:57 AM)

1. McCain knows diddley squat! Healthcare? Nope Gas? Nope If he didn't have Leiberman whispering in his ear we probably wouldn't even hear half the crap he's spewing. Repubs have a known history of not caring about the REAL American people. And by REAL, I mean the people that are not big business. There are obivious situations where the government needs to step in and that is health care. A free market is not working for the sector and that is boldly obivious to anyone but a repub. But really, what do they care. They get free good healthcare on OUR backs. Stagnant wages? Again they don't care. Our elected officials get their pay, again on our backs. Oh but wait! They do get their pocket change from lobbyists, PAC's, and special interest groups. How else do we have crappy legislation that helps no one but big business? Oh great, now Bush is getting ready to start talking out his behind. This is all I need today.

Selina, Wilmington, Delaware (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:57 AM)

To A Weary Nation Needs You,

We need Hillary! Get a Grip and stop living in la la land. This is the real deal this is not Happy Town!

Getagrip, California (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:58 AM)

This is an article from "The American Prospect" by Dean Baker, Co-Director of the Center for Economic Policy Research in Washington, DC.

"The NYT Allows Senator Clinton to Lie to Hard-Hit Middle-Class Families and Older Americans

Senator Clinton joined Senator McCain in calling for the temporary elimination of the 18.4 cent a gallon gas tax over the summer. While the article notes that, "environmentalists and many independent energy analysts" share Senator Obama's view that the elimination of the tax would save consumers little, it still asserts that, "his position allowed Mrs. Clinton to draw a contrast with her opponent in appealing to the hard-hit middle-class families and older Americans who have proven to be the bedrock of her support."

Actually, almost all economists would agree that the tax cut proposed by Senators Clinton and McCain would save consumers nothing. With the supply of gas largely fixed by the capacity of the oil industry (they claim to be running their refineries at full capacity), the price will not change in response to the elimination of the tax. The only difference will be that money that used to go to the government in tax revenues will instead go to the oil industry as higher profits.

If Senator Clinton is able to use this proposal to draw a contrast with Senator Obama in expressing concern for middle-class families it could only be attributable to the extraordinary incompetence of the reporters who are covering the campaign. While typical middle-class families may not have the time and background to realize that Senator Clinton's proposal would not save them any money, reporters do.

The fact that Senator Clinton, like Senator McCain, sought to deceive them with a bogus tax cut should have been the main theme of today's election reporting."

Blake, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:58 AM)

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