Obama responds to Wright comments

Mark — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:47:18 GMT

It sounds to me that Mr. Wright is a bitter old man living in a new America.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Andrea — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:47:45 GMT

To those of you who insist on talking about Jeremiah Wright:

First, if you are catholic; therefore you are child molesters.
Second, if you are white, you are KKK members.
Third, if you are black you are inferior.

See how dumb this sounds? I am sure that all of you have friends or family members who have strong views on topics that you disagree with, but yet you continue to like or love that person. You accept the fact that you disagree and move on. Next, Mr. Wright did not say that he was glad that 9/11 happened, but that it happened as a result of what America has been doing to other countries (bombing and sanctions). There is a difference. How long do you let someone beat up on you before you respond? We all wish that it hadn't happened, but for every action there is a reaction. In regards to his comments about rich white americans running this country are true. My question to you is, Who's been running this country? We complain about the rich getter richer (Bush's taxcuts), but we take offense when the ones who are making these decisions are called on it. Why do we complain and worry about our standings with other countries? Our standings with other countries are bad because of what our country has been doing. How do you not see that? When he spoke about Hillary, he was not degrading her because she is white. He was merely saying or asking how can she understanding our suffering, if she has never been there. She grew up in a rich-two parent-republican home. She's never had to experience what most other Americans have. In other words, Obama can relate to common folks better than Hillary based on his experiences. Many white americans have mistaken Mr. Wright's statements as racist, but indeed they are not. He is not teaching hatred of whites, but merely pointing out things that have actually happened to uplift the black members of his congregation. In other words, he is telling them that they are not in the situation that they are in in this country because they are inferior, but because of slavery, lynchings, jim crow, racism, and a country run by rich people who want to stay riche and happen to be white. Should he have made that point the way he did, no, of course not. He should have said that in a much less controversial manner. I am sure that Obama does not hate his white mother or grandparents. He is who he is because of them. Mr. Wright and Sen. Obama are two different people.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Joe C., Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:48:47 GMT

20 years this man has preached to Obama.

He has baptised his two little girls. He has married the Obamas.

Wow, I wonder if the Obama's let their little girls here the filth coming from this preacher's mouth???

What does this negative thinking do to a child???

As Mr. Obama said: WORDS MATTER. SPEECHES MATTER.

I can NEVER support anyone who has the gall to attend this church for 20 years, make the man retire two months ago so he could run for president.

No, Mr. Obama, I need to judge you by your action of the last 20 years, not the last two.

SCARY STUFF

Obama responds to Wright comments

Why Obama? — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:48:49 GMT

Obama says " And while Rev. Wright's statements have pained and angered me"....but he will not ask him to step down from his position on a campaign committee....

Hmmmm....

Obama responds to Wright comments

Matt; Valparaiso, IN — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:48:43 GMT

This is the respect, honesty, and integrity we should expect out of a president of the United States.

Superdelegates, where are you? Chuck Todd should be calling superdelegates simply to let them know that the odds are nearly NIL that Hillary will win anything but my unending ire.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Ron, California — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:48:45 GMT

Obama has known Wright for years. He is special friend of the Obama family. Surely Obama was present in the congregation for some of Wright's controversial remarks regarding America or simply choose your topic. Even if he wasn't present, he sure knew about what his own pastor was saying for years. So the question is this: Did Obama at any time during his relationship with Pastor Wright express reservations or concerns to him directly about some of this talk? It's not like Obama was a Sunday worshipper with no relationship with the man, right? The assumption is Obama heard this sort of talk, so did he challenge Wright on it? Did he agree? If he disagreed with what was being said, why didn't he find another church? Why did he stay? If your pastor was saying these sort of things, would you stay or find another church home?

Nobody is saying here that Obama believes what his pastor believes. That's missing the point. And I'm sure Obama's church does some great work in the community and the folks who attend are passionate in their walk with Christ. That's not what we're talking about here. The larger issue is Obama says words do matter. That speeches and words can be uplifting and make a difference. But these words from his pastor contradict everything that Obama says he stands for. These words divide not bring unity. So let me ask you: does Obama need to do and say more on this? Does he need to speak out more forcefully on this or has he said enough?

One last thought: Is this all overblown? In other words, some folks who attend this church which resides on the south side of Chicago say this is part of the black church experience? What are your thoughts on that?

All I know is that Obama's pastor could really be a big problem for him in the future. Obama is in a tough spot. Pastor Wright is a dear friend so he doesn't want to trash the guy but if he doesn't go further in denouncing these comments then he runs the risk of this issue dominating the headlines for months to come. This could be an opportunity for Obama to bring up the sensitive issues his pastor has raised and discuss them in town halls, speeches, etc. I know the gut reaction by political handlers is to pivot away from controversy but by tackling these racial issues head on in a constructive way with real meaningful dialogue, Obama could end up turning this whole thing into a positive and it would play perfectly into his new way of doing politics

Obama responds to Wright comments

Madodg, Charlotte NC — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:49:19 GMT

Thank you...now this makes more sense than the prior memo you sent out.

If you had just made this public statement the story will die quickly.

Come on Obama...you are smarter than this.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Kathryn in Bham — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:49:30 GMT

Awesome statement. Now we want to know "the basis of who I am and what I believe in; on my values, judgment and experience to be President of the United States."

Obama responds to Wright comments

Patty,sd,ca — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:49:45 GMT

did't Obama said this pastor was his mentor?

Having this kind or racist as your mentor isn't that a lack of judgement?

Clinton 08

Obama responds to Wright comments

disappointed in obama — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:50:27 GMT

Nice try, Barry. But there is no way that you did not know this stuff, and no way you didn't anticipate that this would come out. You have been protected by the media all too long.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Chris — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:50:45 GMT

Many whites would not initially understand Mr. Wrights statements because they have not had the same experiences. Whites don't need to be reminded and reassured that they are important and are not inferior, blacks do. They have endured a lot in this country. They do not hate whites, they only want to be treated and thought of as equals.

Obama responds to Wright comments

adam/Brooklyn New York City — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:50:47 GMT

The irony here is that the same people calling him a Muslim where attacking his pastor. Just a bunch of sick people.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Retaining My Sanity — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:51:26 GMT

Interesting enough. However, he does not address the fact that he gave the pastor a job on his campaign.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/03/obamas-spiritua.html

Obama responds to Wright comments

Nicholas: Minnesota — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:51:35 GMT

One can tell the difference between an Obama and a Clinton statement by the amount of attacks for cheap political points. Clinton, in almost every statement, tries to paint Obama as the bad guy as much as defend herself. Obama, on the other hand, keeps it focused on himself and his strengths, hardly referring to Mrs. Clinton. One more difference.

Obama responds to Wright comments

axt113, cleveland, Ohio — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:53:02 GMT

So now that he's denounced and rejected and Condemned as well, is it now a non issue?

Obama responds to Wright comments

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:53:14 GMT

A timely and well said response by Barack. Now if the people can only see it for what it is and not let themselves be swayed by the sociopaqthic antics of Hillary. Hopefully people are becoming fully aware of what Hillary & Bill offer and reject it as carnival and consistent with a 'do anything in desperation' mentality.

Obama responds to Wright comments

KN — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:53:18 GMT

Stop obfuscating, it's exactly what Clinton did re Ferraro. It will keep this story alive all weekend and in the end he will leave, as she did.

None of this parsing of you weren't there or didn't hear or blah blah. All voters hear is Clinton got grief over remarks and now you're saying it's okay when it's you.

Don't explain, just shut up and do it, and move on. This type of stuff is just plain stupid. Any supporter who can't keep their mouth shut on a campaign should not be on the campaign. A campaign should always have a clear and consistent message and this stuff is playing into the "gotcha" game.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Sandy — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:53:33 GMT

It is obvious that Obama does not hate whites. He is half-white. Not only that, but his black dad left him when he was two years old and he was raised by his white mom and grandparents.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:54:02 GMT

Dear Hillary -- You take the low road and I’ll take the high road, and I’ll get to DC before you … Sincerely, your pal, Barack

Change we can really believe in --

Obama/Webb 08

Obama responds to Wright comments

Get the hell out — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:54:38 GMT

Condemning Rev. Wrights comments are not enough. Obama needs to remove Wright from his campaign altogether.

Reverend Wright does not deserve the right to call himself an American. Moreover, he doesn't deserve the right to continue to live in this country. He and his student, followers and worshipers should go to whatever part of this planet they will be happier and feel more respected.

If you are not proud of this country (and that mean you too Michele Obama), then get the hell out.

Obama responds to Wright comments

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:54:57 GMT

A timely and well said response by Barack. Now if the people can only see it for what it is and not let themselves be swayed by the sociopathic antics of Hillary. Hopefully people are becoming fully aware of what Hillary & Bill offer and reject it as carnival and consistent with a 'do anything in desperation' mentality.

Obama responds to Wright comments

mike, Nashua, N.H. — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:55:48 GMT

sorry. I just do not believe him anymore. The honeymoon is over, now that I have learned the TrueObama, I am will assist his adversaries at every turn.

Obama responds to Wright comments

JUP — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:55:50 GMT

People judged Clinton on the basis of what Geraldine Ferraro said. This is no different. Obama's comment is too little, too late.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Lynn — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:55:51 GMT

Straight forward comment !!! Keep it honest ! Thank You!

Obama responds to Wright comments

Bridgett — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:56:04 GMT

Come on America! You can not deny the fact that America bombed those places that Mr. Wright referred to in his sermon. And it is true that for every action there is a reaction. No one is happy that about 9/11 happened, but it did. And it did not happen because America was playing nice.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Alexander Rubenstein — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:56:50 GMT

What the media should ask is, if Obama was there when those anti American, anti 9/11, anti Clinton's remarks where made. It seems such a vital question and its amazing how the media simply gives him so much leverage. It’s ridiculous. This is the guy who baptized his children, got him married, his counselor for twenty years. He needs to address this inflammatory statements. A statement sent to The Huffington post simply wont do.

Obama responds to Wright comments

celestegip, Highland Park, Nj — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:57:33 GMT

I think every single person that reads this can understand something about commitment to faith or religion. Just because their have been cases of Priests that molest boys doesn't mean that Catholics are going to remove themselves from the religion. Just because there are Islamic extremists does not mean that a Muslim is not going to be apart of his/her religion. When you are devout in a religion, you are not going to disregard the truths you see in it because of someone elses fallacys or false judgement.
Let us continue to show compassion to one another… Let us show compassion to those we do not agree with. Let us show compassion to Clinton, Obama, and McCain supporters. Each and every person that supports someone has a reason for it and no matter what that reason it is still true to them. This is rough stuff, politics and I am sure it will continue to be that way. But with compassion, our true American spirit can be viewed as strong and impenetrable.
Good Luck to everyone during this race--- to stay positive, to stay strong, to give others a chance to speak before we unintentionally tear them down.

I want to assure Clinton supporters--- Obama is not the devil
I want to assure Obama supporters--- Clinton is not the devil
I want to assure McCain supproters--- Obama is not a sleeper cell and Clinton is not a socialist
I want to assure Obama and Clinton supporters--- McCain is not the worst person in the world

Obama responds to Wright comments

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:58:33 GMT

Sure puts Clinton to shame and her half-hearted attempts to denounce those degrading and racist statements made by people associated with her campaign. And then some of her surrogates continue to make the same statements in public after the fact. I don't see Rev. Wright whining that they are attacking him or that they owe him an apology as Ferraro.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Steve B. — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:58:44 GMT

That's a man of character . And thats the difference between him and the Clintons .. Character my friends.
Thank you Barack ... You are the reason why this country has a chance !

Obama responds to Wright comments

Ted Malloy — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:59:07 GMT

According to Obama, "words have meaning". He just donated $21,500 to this church. Get real. It's all over for Obama!

Obama responds to Wright comments

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:00:16 GMT

Just words!? Well, apparently that's the case this time.

And if Obama is naive enough to be surprised at political "cherry picking", he's just not ready.

Obama responds to Wright comments

kevin — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:00:35 GMT

give me a break wwe know where his true beliefs are at

Obama responds to Wright comments

Anna Turnley — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:00:50 GMT

"Let every man be persuaded by his own opinion
President bush most certainly has his.

Anna Turnley,of Michigan

Obama responds to Wright comments

Starchild, Mo — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:01:11 GMT

Okay..very good...let's move on.

We have 5 more weeks until the PA primary and the pundits have nothing else to report on until another person falls from grace or until someone else says something completely stupid.

Their suurogates are not running for president...who cares what they think or says. Unless it comes from the candidates, let's get back to the important subjects.

Maybe the pundits can do something else constructive. What are they going to do after Inauguration? Geesh...

Obama responds to Wright comments

IdahoDem — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:01:14 GMT

Jeremiah Wright is Obama's adviser for his SOUL...
And people say Bill and Hillary are racist...

Obama responds to Wright comments

Michiel W So. Beloit, IL — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:02:05 GMT

Words, words and more words! Frankly, they ring hollow. Since the Rev Wright is retiring from the church, it is no big deal that he denounces him now. What about the last 20 years Senator Obama has spent listening to and financially supporting the Rev Wright. Does anyone honestly believe this is the first time the Reverend has used this type of rhetoric. Take a good look at the church and what it stands for: blaming whites for everything from HIV to providing drugs in the African American community. Supporting Louis Farrakhan and honoring him for his views. (Despite Obama's claim, the honor was not for his work with ex-offenders). This Reverend is a black separatist, who refers to Africa as the homeland. Sorry to all of you supporters, but I do not believe Senator Obama is the agent for change, at least not the change we need.

Obama responds to Wright comments

JADE — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:02:22 GMT

msnbc need to call cnn to post this letter all of this media bias that only screw and play with ppl lifes no integrity media do your job and report what you should and dont make news of divisive stupid thing that only benfit who hates us.

american of all colour and relgion remember united we stand and if some fall we ll follow.

Obama responds to Wright comments

David H. — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:02:27 GMT

My question is, how long has Rev. Wright been making these kinds of statements. I have seen the videos, and this man looks practiced in what he preaches. I cannot believe he has been preaching love, peace, and charity for 20 years, and all of a sudden, as soon as Obama starts running for president, he starts spewing this invective.

Obama's comments are not credible. Wright must have been saying these things while Obama was an active member of the church, and Obama must have known about it. Did Obama wait until he started running for president to criticize the man's comments?

Obama responds to Wright comments

Independent Voter Who Will Never Vote Hillary Pasadena, CA — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:02:50 GMT

I strongly disagree with Obama's former pastor's statement. However, this issue has shown the difference between Obama and Hillary. Obama comes out and rejects the comments immediately. Hillary would have tried to spin it into making it Obama's camp fault of the controvesy.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Jaime, Lantana, FL — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:03:11 GMT

Right on, Barack!!!

The Clinton campaign, some of her supporters, and those Americans still filled with hate and ignorance can keep putting out information on Obama (whether factual or infactual) to try to debunk his character, patriotism, intelligence, experience, or vision for this country. But, they will always, ALWAYS, lose. Barack is an amazing man, and Americas would be "lucky" (quotes for punning emphasis, not sarcasm) to have him as their president.

He is a man of faith and he has a long-standing personal relationship with his pastor. He does not agree, but rather vehemently denounces, the outrageous statements Pastor Wright made. But, because of all the good that the Church has done in his life, Barack remains part of its family.

A true statesman. A rare politician.

Obama '08!

Obama responds to Wright comments

Lee Holmes — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:03:35 GMT

Now we are getting somewhere. Wright must forthwith resign his post from the religious advisory board to the Obama campaign and we trust that,will be that.

Obama responds to Wright comments

kelly, Atlanta GA — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:03:46 GMT

That is great. Now lets move on.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Ceile Holmes, Monroe LA — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:04:17 GMT

Reverend Wright must be one of those "unifers" Barack is always talking about.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Angela — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:05:15 GMT

Well

a)if my pastor preached just ONE of those sermons I would have switched churches.

b) how long has he been attending that church? And yet he continued to worship there?

c) He is stressing that he is indeed a Christian and has belonged to the same Christian church for a very long time? That is pretty awful talk for a Christian.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Jesse, Burnsville, MN — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:06:28 GMT

Wow, the media just loves this crap. The longer this primary goes on, the more of this junk it digs up. Instead of focusing on the candidates, so that we can try to make a decision about which one has the character and leadership abilities to run this country, we have to continuously focus on the stupid things that people say and do which are totally unrelated to the issues at hand.

Our country, with the tremendous help of the media, has really become ignorante and, frankly, embarassing. Unfortunately, once Hillary's campaign "threw the kitchen sink" (their words), policies & plans became second fiddle and the media is loving every minute of it.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Charlie K., Texas — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:07:20 GMT

Just like with Hillary's past, now Barack's past is catching up with him. The media is now wising up that there's actually a smell to all the manure Barack has been shoveling our way for the last year.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:07:41 GMT

I recant my prior post. Got it confused with another thread and hadn't read the text of Obama's statement.

As a qualified political denunciation, this is as satisfactory as it will ever get. It's good to hear him renouncing truly racist and inflammatory statements instead of the rather innocuous utterings of Geraldine Ferraro.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Taylor in DC — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:08:22 GMT

What an eduring and heart-felt response to these allegations. Now that he has denounced them they must be false!!! After all, when Bill swore to America, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman ..." he was ... genuinely ... wait a second ...

Obama responds to Wright comments

Lin Lo — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:08:44 GMT

Thank you Senator Obama. I don't hold you responsible for Pastor Wright's statements. Nor do I hold John McCain responsible for Pastor Parsley's statements, or Hayden's, or Bill Cunningham's for that matter. Nor do I hold Senator Clinton responsible for the pastor of her Methodist church being involved in several sexual liaisons.

Obama responds to Wright comments

Karen, NYC — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:08:46 GMT

With perjury and impeached husband the last thing Hillary needs to attack is what someone CLOSE to the candidate does. She should be ashamed running for President as if the Clintons are brand new. They have distracted the American people, embarrassed us abroad, lied to us, stolen from us and now she has a huge integrity problem. Hillary is NOT electable or is she qualified! Hillary still needs to:

1. Release her 2006 and 2007 tax returns

2. Release her earmark bills

3. Release her white house files

4. Identify what exactly did she do with foreign governments that makes her qualified to be President

5. Explain to the American people what in her 35 years worth of “public office” (and exactly what public office she held in 35 years that has prepared her for the Presidency

6. What qualifies her to answer the 3AM call

7. What National Security Clearance did she have as First Lady

8. Why would she take her teenage daughter into a 'war zone' to deal with a major National Security issue

9. Why does Bill deal with our overseas enemies and have them bankroll her campaign

10. Explain what dealings Bill had with the D.C. Madam and acknowledge Cat Daddy Bill is Client Number 2.

Hillary is not electable and has not passed the integrity test to be honest with the American people. She would lose in November regardless who she ran against. The last name Clinton blinds many into thinking she ran the White House which is false and if she event THINKS about taking credit for any White House foreign affairs then I must ask for a full investigation as to who allowed her Security Clarence on sensitive issues and why would her husband share any secrets with his wife. This is a CRIME that requires attention!

Let's Roll !!!!

Obama responds to Wright comments

twocanpete — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:09:13 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com
He ain't heavy, he's my uncle. But hey, maybe Barak could hook him up with John Hagee and they could start a 'Why WE Hate America Tour'. They'll have to work on the "Jew" problem as Hagee is a little to the left.