Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Howard B. — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:14:47 GMT

This is the kind of speech that Obama could probably deliver with his eyes closed and one arm tied behind his back. It's a natural, because it plays to his message of bringing people of different points of view together. I expect his message to be thoughtful, respectful and still passionate. I predict that -- except amongst right wing extremists -- this issue will be gone within a few days.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

adam/Brooklyn New York City — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:14:58 GMT

Say what you will about Obama.

The man has guts.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Donna Gianolla — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:18:11 GMT

This is going to be a great speech. Wright is a Pastor, NOT a politician. I don't agree with everything my white pastor says, but i still love the man. Obama will overcome this and be a great president. I am praying for Obama and for our right to freedom of religion. In case it matters I am white (multi-ethnic), 44, a woman, and live in Montana.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Sam — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:20:48 GMT

He'll hit it out of the park today and come out of this stronger than ever.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Susan-Missouri — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:23:02 GMT

Most commentators seem to miss the mark on what Obama needs to say. This story is about Obama's lack of judgement.

It doesn't matter that Obama may not have sat in the pews during some of the sermons. Obama had to have known his pastor was considered incendiary yet he continued his close relationship with this Pastor.

Obama needs to explain the lapse in judgement, similar to his lapse in judgement with Tony Rezko.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:28:56 GMT

Susan from Missouri: I wouldn't open the door for "lapses of judgement" for Obama unless you're willing to discuss similiar issues for Hillary and we don't have enough time or space for THAT one. Her entire LIFE is full of those and most of America (and other parts of the world) don't need to reminded of scandal after scandal. How she has ANY female supporters is beyond me.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Alexus T. Dallas. TX — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:29:53 GMT

Are ou kidding me? THe guy (Obama) is a mster of deceit! Syas what is expedient ather than what isss the truth. We have such a pitiful choice for President this year-republicn or democrate. WHere are Ronald Reagan prodigees of the world when we need them?

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

hs — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:30:23 GMT

Susan,
I don't think that the future of our nation rest on Obama judgeing a pastor of a church. He has shown great judgement on the things that really matter. Furthermore, I don't think there is anything more Christion than loving the sinner, hating the sin (pastor Wright)

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

VOTER in PA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:31:27 GMT

What is Sen. Obama going to say when the truth comes out about his associations with William Ayers as well as the full extent of his 'association' with Tony Resko (17 years)?

What's Sen. Obama going to say then?

The American Public bought into his 'Change' we can believe in and 'Judgment' rhetoric --without doing their homework !!

THANK YOU AMERICA !! I am SO impressed with your uneducated judgments!! I am not surprised however as after all, this is a country that voted not once, but twice for Bush --so, the intelligence level cannot be too high.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Lisa, rochester, NY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:32:34 GMT

Obama says words are not "just words". The words we have heard his "spiritual leader" say are disturbing to say the least.
Until recently, all we have seen Barak Obama give a bunch of speeches talking about unity and now what we know is that he has surrounded himself with people who want anything but...

Sadly, from the moment he announced his candidacy, I wondered when the ugliness of racism, that this country still harbors, would come shinning through. What we have seen from Rev. Wright is that racism exits everywhere.

While I am not a supportor of Obama, I do feel badly for him. Today he will have to reject, repell, denounce, etc someone that he cares for very deeply and in the end will still not likely be elected president because of the words that apparently do mean something.

Lisa

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Dorothy — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:32:55 GMT

the speech part Im interested is how he never heard Rev. Wright hatefull anti american rethoric for 20 years. Thats the part that will do it for me. How he spins "God Damn America" to a Kumpaya moment

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Voter in PA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:35:58 GMT

In regrad to "not knowing" his pastor was like this...ummmmm, lets see, one of the sermons was given on Christmas Day. So you mean to tell me Sen. Obama would miss a Christmas Mass??

Are we REALLY expected to believe that Sen. Obama had no idea that his Pastor was like this?

C'mon Folks... WAKE UP !!

Shall I remind everyone
1. Tony Resko
2. William Ayers

I think come October --we are going to see "The Best of Rev. Wright", right there on your TV's !!

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

bc Indiana — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:38:00 GMT

I look forward to Obama's remarks. Addressing the issue head on is a good thing. I hope to see the true measure of the man.

Reverend Wright's 9-11 remarks are incendiary but he he isn't saying anything that hasn't been said before by many people of many races in many countries, including the United States.

So, while I strongly disagree with Reverend Wright, I wonder if the shock and anger has more to do with his remarks coming from an American of African heritage.

He's not the first preacher to say outrageous things from the pulpit and he won't be the last.

Should Obama be judged by the Reverend Wright's behavior? I hope we take Obama on his own merit.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Dr.Strangedog, MI — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:38:54 GMT

wHY DOESN'T ANYONE QUESTION THE FAR RIGHT'S RELIGIOUS PASTORS?

Oh that's right the RNC doesn't care if they offend you or alienate you, unless you're rich.

Ask "Morning Joe" if he can stop obessing over Obama's FORMER PASTOR, to question Falwell or Robertsons comments.

What am I saying??? Nevermind, get Keith Oberman to string together a montage of right wing preachers, blaming aids on gays, saying 911 was God's vegeance or any of the other bigotted rhetoric that slides right pass the moraaly outraged masses!

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Jennifer, Austin, Texas — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:41:08 GMT

Many of those who support Obama have been uneasy about the Wright matter, and his speech will go a long way to mollify them.

Those conservatives (like Pat Buchanan) who are continuing to express or feign outrage would never support Obama whether or not he has pastor who has made objectional comments at times during his sermons.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Gail, Stamford, CT — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:42:16 GMT

Alexus from Dallas TX needs to go back to school. Spelling and grammar are not your forte.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Jane-pa — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:45:52 GMT

Obama never grew up in our black society. I think this is what makes me so upset. We worked togeather to get past this all. Maybe it wasnt all done but I think he set us back decades for his own end. He wanted to be pres. He wanted to be state senator and than us senator now pres. what is next . He never marched and saw what went on here.He went to good schools lived a privaledged life. He chose to stay in Hawaii didnt go with his mother. He wasnt even there when she was sick and died. Now he will promote his dna and be white for white voters in these states. He professed his love for his mother.Would she have been comfortable in this white hateing church?Now states comeing up are more white. Now will come the I am white speeches. He is so pathetic. We will never win in Nov. if he is our choice.He will and does use blacks,poeple of Ill, his own mother now .I think all he is is a racist who has a great speech.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

hs — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:51:19 GMT

I believe B. Obama is who he says he is. I think Hillary Clinton is whatever the poles say she should be. Check this out;

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/17/0031/18073/736/478265

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

no Obama — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:52:02 GMT

The arragance shines forth. How many times have we heard If I can talk to them in a speech they will follow.When someone is as close as he says to pastor you listen to his tapes .maybe he wasnt in a pew but please. The pastors friendship with Farrakhan he had to know about that. Farrakhan endorsed him not as the savoir of the country but of the world. Obama used to say we will change the country after endorsement he said country and the world.Might have changed that after it was brought out. A lot of Black people ,men of church and position have said he cannt fix this one. I believe that.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Bill D — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:52:36 GMT

Because the Far Right is not running for president you MI coma-head, the Far Left is and it shows his lack of Judgement (look it up in a dictionary Demos)for associating with such a radical who he calls his "uncle".

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

think — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:53:11 GMT

One good thing that has come out of the Wright controversy is that now we understand Michelle Obama's statements better. ("first time I'm proud of my country..America is a mean place") She has set and listened to this vile, anti-American hate for 20 years. Folks, it soaks into your soul and being when repeatedly exposed to it. Repetition is a key component in brainwashing!

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Jerome-Virginia — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:54:39 GMT

I have more questions than comments.
Can any one tell me what was untrue about Rev. Wrights statements? (I'm sure Sen. Clinton has never been called the "N" word.)

If you are a Christian do you think droping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a good thing?

Do you know the connection between Al-Qaeda the United States and the Soviet War in Afganistan?

Last but not least what did your paster preach about two years ago on the second Sunday in June?

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Linda B. — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:55:58 GMT

Can we all be human beings here - don't every one of you have someone in your life who you love, but who you totally disagree with and at times are embarassed to hear what comes out of their mouths???

Let's judge all the candidates on "the content of their character" and their voting records/accomplishments, not what their friends or supporters say out of context!

Wake up, America. We're the ones who are making this campaign devisive, not the candidates.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Jesse, Burnsville, MN — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:56:16 GMT

Rev. Wright, as well as many of his white counterparts, who make incendiery comments are a part of a different generation. I'm about to turn 30 here soon and Obama's spirit uplifts me because I do believe that we desperately need to have a President who will bridge the divide between the Baby Boomer generation and the younger generations (X & Y).

The younger generations don't harbor these same racial tensions because most of the bitter fights were fought before us. So, while we want to learn about and remember those bitter fights from the past, we do not want to repeat them.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

JiggyJoe, StL — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:57:11 GMT

I see so many people trying to shoot down Obama by focusing on the few things that indicate he's not a perfect politician. Obama's at a disadvantage only because its easier to over-analyze the few things we find wrong with him than it is to choose from the library of baggage Clinton brings to the table.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Norman E. Hussein Harvey, Sr. VA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:57:52 GMT

Before you condem Rev. Wright's clips of 2 sermons over the 20+ years that Sen. Obama's membership I would ask that you PLEASE see this post from one of THE FOUNDERS OF THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT and what he says about what Rev. Wright says then ask why is Rev. Wright being singled out? It is things like this where the "APPEARANCE OF RACISM" rears its ugly head because worse has been said by WHITE pastors. The only difference between what Rev. Wright said and what Revs. Falwell and Robinson said is that Rev. Wright was A BLACK MAN who said it.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/obamas-minister-committe_b_91774.html

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Charlie Musselwhite, Shreveport, La. — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:58:45 GMT

This guy is a racist just as Keith UBERdumb is an idiot. Since Barak is black and Keith is a liberal, we can't actually comment on this, as it is not allowable on the Peacock network.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Von — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:59:12 GMT

I'm trying to figure out what WMDs in Iraq have to do with what a pastor is saying in Chicago? How is that an interesting observation?

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

PAT W.-NY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:59:45 GMT

Susan your right. Judgement is the issue cause he made it so. With lack of experience and not able to stick with anything he tries(thats scarey too)his record is not that great so he clingggggggggs to that vote Hillary made and maybe he said later he might have too.He made that his whole basis for electability. His judgement is better than anything else even experience. Judgement-wright in church -he knew it was a problem cause he disinvited him to his addressing his canadacy. But he prayed in private ,That I think tells us a lot. He would hide his pastor, he was so close to, to get his own way.Is this honesty and judgement we want in White House. I would like to hear what changes really he would make. There is a debate comeing up. This will not go away.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Don — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:00:37 GMT

Does anyone know if and if so where the speech will be streamed?

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

John Tieso, Arlington VA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:03:27 GMT

Seems funny to me that when Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell used to regularly shoot off their mouths on subjects, such as those the Rev. Wright has addressed, were considered 'right-headed' and therefore OK, especially with the same pseudo-conservatives that now are trying to crucify Rev. Wright.

I do not condone his remarks--they are incendiary and divisive, but the words are not new. It is only that they come at this particular time that they become important.

Senator Obama's relationship with his pastor on religious matters should be his personal right. He has condemned the remarks that have been published, and will speak on the subject as well. That should be enough--except, of course, for the more bloodthirsty among us who need controversy rather than issues to munch on daily.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

R Harper — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:03:27 GMT

"A viewer email had an interesting point on "Morning Joe": If Obama knew there was no WMD in Iraq in 2002, how did he not know what Rev. Wright was saying from the pulpit."
That is an "interesting point"? That is a poor comparison. The first half of the statement is off base, and a very poor explanation of Obama'a 2002 Iraq War stance (and speech). That's not an "interesting" point, it's misleading and unproductive.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Patrick, Indianapolis — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:03:50 GMT

Sooner or later the fraud trial of Peter Paul v Clinton will come out and hillary monster "George Wallace" clinton will have to answer questions about how she defrauded Peter Paul and why she broke federal election law. A judge will set a trial date on April 25th and the trial will be in the middle of the GE. Nothing like a candidate being a defendent in the middle of a campaign.

Aside from the Obama haters that would never vote for Obama no matter what, has anybody ever stopped and thought about the Rev. Wright issue and put it into context. I understand people questioning Obama about why he has stayed in the church for 20 years with this man as his pastor. If all I knew about the church was the five minutes of "cut-and-paste" sermon's that Wright gave then I'd be shocked as well. What people haven't heard is all of the great things that Rev. Wright has said over the 20 years.

Secondly, perhaps the reason Obama stayed in the church was BECAUSE he disagreed with Rev. Wright. Obama has said that Rev. Wright has said things with which he disagrees. Perhaps he wanted to be a counter force to what Wright was saying. I believe Obama when he says that he never heard Wright say those remarks but I also choose to believe that the church is more than just one pastor. The church probably does an amazing amount of good and that could be the reason he stayed with the church.

Also, if Rev. Wright is this incendiary then perhaps Trinity United Church of Christ needs Obama now more than ever. Perhaps Obama is needed as a counterweight to Rev. Wright.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

kuna — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:03:54 GMT

Some of you people still do not get it. Yes, there are right wing pastors, the difference is that none of the conservatives belong to their church or where a member of their campaign staff.

I wonder if Senator Obama is going to bring up the fact that if he was white, his campaign would be over.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

g.eglesias`nepa` — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:04:55 GMT

This morning on the today show news, they said Obama called this problem with his Pastor Rev. Wright a Distraction.. `Oh poor baby`. AS I said a few weeks ago -- all you people who were posting nasty disgusting remarks about Hillary , and even digging up old, petty dirt on her Husband President Bill Clinton, Such as -- what the definition of is - is , and also I never had sex with that woman.. THAT STUFF IS SO LAME in comparision to Obama's mentor Rev. Wright. He was Obama's Pastor and friend for 20 years. He gave Obama the Title to his book. The horrible statements he made about 9/11 being the fault of Americans, and God Damn Americans is deplorable! "Not to even mention his Racists Remarks. As I said once before "look a little deeper into Obama's closet" you may be shocked at what you find. I personaly was not born yesterday, and I always keep my eyes and ears open. TO HEAR OBAMA SAY HE NEVER HEARD HIS PASTOR RANT AND RAVE AND SAY THOSE THINGS--YOU WOULD HAVE HAD TO BEEN BORN YESTERDAY TO BELIEVE HIM! HE IS LYING, AND MAKES ME WONDER WHAT ELSE HE IS LYING ABOUT. Many Great Presidents, Thomas Jefferson for one, has had sex scandals while he was President. He had an illegitimate child with a black woman slave while he was president. HE WAS STILL ONE OF THE BEST PRESIDENTS THIS COUNTRY EVER HAD.--SO IS BILL CLINTON ONE OF THE BEST PRESIDENTS WE EVER HAD. Obama's shady friends and Pastor will cause the Dems. to loose the General Election in Nov. That is why we must vote for Hillary Clinton for PRESIDENT!

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

mc — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:05:17 GMT

Next let's hear McCain explain his "spiritual leader," Ron Parsley who hopes to extinguish the "false" religion of Islam.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Ron, Othello, WA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:05:31 GMT

What Rev. Wright said was reprehensible. But not any more so than many of the things said by other incendiary "reverends" (Falwell, Robertson, Dobson, Bob Jones, John Hagee, etc.). America has voted for white men who were chummy with the likes of them for decades. IF Obama wants to distance himself from a pastor with a big mouth, that might be a refreshing change from what we've received from so many of our "pious" Republican Presidents. Which reminds me, Didn't McCain just gleefully accept John Hagee's endorsement? Check out some of the outrgeous things that man has said from the pulpit!

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Steve Dallas, TX — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:06:50 GMT

Gail from Stamford needs to pay attention to the message and not strictly spelling and grammar. I guess that is the difference between Yankees and Southerners. Obama is a smooth talker who says exactly what YOU want to here.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

zeke galindo,casa grande,az — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:07:59 GMT

obama and rev. wrihgt are wolfs dress in sheep clothing.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

twocanpete — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:08:39 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com
Twenty years in the same church, wouldn't Obama have known that his pastor could have at least seemed to be a racist to the casual listeners? Billy Cunningham from WLW 700 radio has been all over this for months.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Carly Hussein, Iowa City — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:09:57 GMT

Susan and Voter in PA,

Until you've listened to the entire, hour (plus) long sit-down Obama had with the press at the Chicago Tribune last week where he explained EXHAUSTIVELY his 17 year associations with Rezco, you need to shut up and STOP asking for explanations you wont bother to read/hear. There is nothing more maddening than the willfully uninformed insisting that a politician "has some explaining to do."

Obama answered the "charges" against him so extensively and the reason you haven't heard more about what came out of that Q & A session is because NOTHING CAME OUT OF IT. There was no impropriety on Obama's part in relation to the land sale. He admits buying the extra strip of land was boneheaded b/c Rezco was under suspicion at that point, but he wanted room to build a playset for his kids!

In their 17 year history, Rezco never asked for a favor from Obama and Obama never volunteered a favor. There were no favors to volunteer.

So, there. I've informed you all. Now QUIT implying that there's more to it than that unless you want to go listen to the audio and come back with some real gripes. Which you won't because heaven forbid you have your assumptions challenged!

Obama '08

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Marie Carmel Indiana — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:10:55 GMT

WORDS WORDS AND MORE WORDS. I was in awe over Obama but now by eyes are open and I am so angry with Obama. How can anybody say they aren't playing the race card when he is and worse then anyone else. He couldn't say even GOD BLESS AMERICA until either yesterday or the day before. Oh I see now he is trying to appease us AMERICANS. Now he is delivering a speech to cover up what we really didn't hear. What does he think all Americans are stupid. I have been to some black churches and not heard this kind of spew in my life coming from a church. He must not have had insight into know betterthen leave the church so will he really have insight into major issues or will Wright be sitting at Obamas right hand.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Veronica J, Dallas, TX — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:10:58 GMT

Thank you Linda B.

Well said. I could not agree with you more.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Doug, Kansas City, MO — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:11:19 GMT

"If Obama knew there was no WMD in Iraq in 2002, how did he not know what Rev. Wright was saying from the pulpit."

Obama never claimed to KNOW 100% that there were no WMDs in Iraq. That was not the entire basis of his opposition to the war.

Secondly, there is no similarity. Basically you're saying "If Obama was paying so much attention in the Senate in Washington, why wasn't he paying as much attention to every sermon from his church in Chicago?"

Well - and this is just for starters - they're two different cities?

Talk about comparing apples and oranges.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

mel, washington, dc — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:11:42 GMT

I agree with what others are saying-- this is an opportunity for Obama to shine as unity is his message. On the other hand, the media response to Wrights comments illustrates that there is a racial divide in our country. I am white but I've attended a black church on occassion and fiery speeches about social justice are commonplace, in many churches. No politcian could get away with words like Wrights-- but within the realm of the firery pulpit, his words make sense. Chickens coming home to roost, is something I've heard many many times with regard to 9/11. Sorry! Our country is not innocent. It is the largest arms dealer in the world. Reagan armed both Iran and Iraq-- including Saddam Hussein. The CIA trained Osama Bin Laden. These are just facts.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Frank Telco — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:11:53 GMT

As we begin to make excuses for Rev. Wright, in the name of "change," how does that compare with the various condemnations toward others, whose single uttered comment -- though despicable -- somehow wipes away decades of service and forward thinking? If Bill Clinton can be tagged as a "racist," then why shouldn't Rev. Wright? Is it because racism doesn't exist in the black community?

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Henry — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:12:08 GMT

As pastor, who should promotes peace, love... as well as guiding people not to become violence or radical. Wright speech at his church after 9/11 was such a bad. He accused everything to white but forgot about this great country has been helping the poor in Africa and around the world more than any other countries. As an asian, I am so grateful for everything that this country has done and provided opportunity for me. The freedom that I can enjoy every single day. May God bless America and whomever become president will be a great leader to serve his/her people. Of course, Obama is a great man and he can be a great leader.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Jack, Baltimore, MD — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:12:45 GMT

Sen. Obama has made racial reconciliation the very heart of his message from day one, so it is misleading to portray this as an unwelcome intrusion of race into the campaign. Oprah and Obama started barnstorming Iowa with a message of racial unity in December, 2007. The fact that he has also unapologetically leaned on such a racist pastor as his closest spiritual mentor until a week ago leaves a large credibility gap with voters. It reinforces the very different attitudes toward race that mark his two books, one before his election to represent the south side of Chicago, the other before his election to represent Illinois at large.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Cleve Little, Scranton PA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:15:24 GMT

Rather then you knuckle dragging Obama supporters that are naming yourselves "Hussein" who are trying to defend Obama's pastor by bringing up other bigots word, why don't you defend Obama's pastor's words on there merit? Please, explain to us how Obama's pastor is uniting, and not dividing America.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Susan, Delphos, Oh. — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:15:56 GMT

Voter in Pa.....you are so right about the intelligence level in this country when we can vote not once, but twice for Bill Clinton, and then even THINK about voting for Hillary is beyond my imagination. BUT.........voting for a man who we know NOTHING about, in Obama, is so mind-boggling.
MCCain is also not my favorite, but he is the lesser of 3 evils. Neither Billary or Barack Hussein have done anything worthwhile to make them Presidential material. Most people in this country are gullible to the political game that BOTH Dems and Republicans throw at us. ALL politicians say what their masses want to hear. It is why they are called "politicians" people. Wake up!!!
Sue in OH

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Rob, Oakland, Ca — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:16:31 GMT

Most of what Rev. Wright said about the effects of "blowback" from foreign policy seems to me to be correct. I think white America is afraid, not of the content of his sermon but the style of delivery. Remember, we heard very little criticism of Mitt Romney who was a member of a church that preached black inferiority. Black people of Rev.Wrights age group suffered real and direct racism and anger is a rational response. The current Vice-President supported the repressive South-African regime and nobody makes an issue of it. Other then the AIDS being made by the government, I think what he said was true and is similar to what Ron Paul said many times in the Republican debates.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Joe Usabuymart.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:17:57 GMT

I hope Obama looses the general election. I still think he will get he nomination, but I would like it better if Mrs. Clinton did. I think it would be easier to defeat her. I don't care what his minister said. I care about his positions on many different issues. Health care, Iraq, the role of government in our lives. I like Mr. Obama and as an African American I would like to vote for him. But, I don't believe what he believes.

The role of should be to provide a way not take care of us. He would give a fish when teaching someone to fish is the only meaningful answer. I like senator Obama. I think he is a great man, I just think his policies will enslave rather enrich the lives of those he wants to help. Good intentions. Bad results.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

shirley, san jose, ca — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:18:21 GMT

I am ashamed that Senator Obama has any need to explain 'his association' with his church or pastor.Hillary and McCain haven't been asked to 'explain their associations'. Remember the Declaration of Independance? It guarantees all Americans the right to religious freedom. Hillary is not only dragging the Democratic party in the dirt, she is dragging America throught the mud too.
Shame on the news media, Shame on all of us for allowing this.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Josh, Minneapolis MN — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:19:36 GMT

The audacity of poor Judgment...

The poor judgment to attend a church with an outright racist for twenty years will not go away no matter how Obama tries to spin this today. His personal judgment to have Wright as a spiritual will have devastating effects on his campaign. There will be no free passes given to Obama by the public on this issue of poor judgment. The public would not accept Hillary Clinton or John McCain attending a church that had a spiritual advisor that was an outright racist and this is why the public will not whole heartily buy Obama’s defense today. Twenty years of poor judgments writes you off as legitimate candidate.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Jay, WN, NZ — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:20:41 GMT

What's more Susan - do you not think that people know the position that Hillary is in? The earned delegate lead that Obama has over Hillary and the closing of the Super-delegate gap means that even with a FL and MN revote or them being seated as per the original vote, even with the next 10 primaries - Obama will retain a lead by the end of the primary voting. And it is pretty clear that there is also a more insidious factor at play now that McCain has become the presumptive nominee. Quite contrary to prior trends, Republicans have started cross voting for Clinton. As Clinton supporters in Texas said for themselves Republicans were turning up saying that Rush Limbaugh sent them and the Clinton supporters were resentful because they wanted to win Texas fair and square. If we removed the Republicans muddying the waters to extend the race so the 'Dems could tear each other apart' Obama would have won the popular vote in Texas by 18,000. This pattern played out in OH and Mississippi as well - affecting results by 5% in each. So what can the Clinton campaign bank on now? Something that will personally destroy Obama - that is all. I can only conclude that her continued presence in this race means that the campaign is fully working behind the scenes to facilitate such an event. To conclude that as despicable is quite an understatement.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Eric, San Francisco, CA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:20:51 GMT

People need to get over this outrage over insensitive remarks from a pastor. Of course they say things like this from the pulpit.

Do you agree with everything your pastor says? If you're a regular church goer who doesn't have the most-progressive pastor, you will likely have heard incendiary remarks about gays. You scoff at it, get over it, and in the end all you care about is the overall message.

Rev. Wright's overall message is not "God damn America" - that's angry, righteous rhetoric to get a point across (and black Americans still DO have a reason to be angry). His overall message has always been one of hope, unity, and forgiveness.

He's a guy with a temper who sometimes goes overboard, and it's absolutely silly to believe therefore Obama has the same opinion on everything the pastor ever said. If you really believe that, then please, take a look at the far more incendiary remarks by the right-wing preachers that endorse John McCain. Nobody is making a big deal about those for some reason.

Let's face it: there still is a lot of racism in this country, and a lot of it isn't overtly expressed, but shows its ugly face only in situations like this when white Americans all the sudden feel threatened.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

J. Cox, Fort Smith, AR — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:21:19 GMT

I just wish Obama and his campaign would stop creating opportunities to "not talk about race" by constantly demanding television time to talk about race. Everyone in the Obama campaign knows that they benefit when they cause these controversies by spinning the issue. If he is down, be it in New Hampshire or Pennslyvania, he monopolizes the media with the subject. He was on every network within 24 hours the Wright tapes. He is getting full coverage of his speech. When Clinton gives a major speech on helpful issues like Iraq or the economy, the public gets bits and pieces. I wish the media would stop rewarding and promoting these "sensational" events. Maybe Obama would have to talk about his competence to serve as President. I don't care what color or sex the President is--I want my life to improve.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Yvette, Laurelton, NY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:21:32 GMT

104,000+ Republicans voted for Hillary in the Texas primary because Rush Limbaugh suggested they should to tilt the votes in her favor and to stop Barack.
The republicans know that if Barack wins the Dem nomination. He will win the general elections in Nov.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

LB, VA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:21:50 GMT

Rev. Rivers is a HILLARY CLINTON SUPPORTER! Please stop having him on as an objective representative on your shows. It's so outrageous and needs to be stated he is a supporter of HRC!

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Tracy, CO — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:24:59 GMT

I, for one, respect a politician who is willing to stand before people and speak from a human place about his own judgment calls and what is true to and for him. In the past week he has tried to be as open as possible, laying everything out on the table (about Wright and Resco). I don't expect a president to be perfect - he/she is human - but I like them being willing to be honest - to show a true face. He's written two books on his life, laid it all out there. Why is it that Hillary (who I experience as being more persona than authentic) can now stand back and cry foul that his campaign asks her to reveal her taxes and pet projects and such - calling it dirty campaigning? What? Being open, being honest and asking for the same is dirty playing? Her campaign has roused so much against Obama on a PERSONAL level, and all he has done is try to answer to it, while trying to stay on task of running for president on the issues.

I am not saying I agree with his pastor's remarks, but I will say that I think the shadow of this country is coming to roost. We say "free speech." But we expect some sort of perfection from our public figures and they too often try to play that role, and all too often their own shadows come out to play (ahem..Spitzer, Bill Clinton). Spiritually many Americans claim to follow the way of Jesus - who was, historically a religious and political revolutionary who did not do and say the "nice" thing, but the truth of his day - who stood up against oppression of his people and in a peaceful manner spoke and acted in ways against the domination system. Words spoken in passion, one trying to stir people into change are not always going to be "pleasant" and "nice." Again, I do not say that Wright's words were appropriate or right, but he was obviously stirred by passion to anger and a feeling of injustice. I wasn't there. I do not know the man and refuse to condemn an entire career or person on passionate remarks made. God, I would hope I wouldn't be judged and held as all of who I am by words I have spoken in my past in moments of passion.

Okay, I'm done now. I just wish people, who want change, would be willing to take the truth of someone fully - good, bad and ugly and be grateful for a human willing to stand to the scrutiny with integrity and honesty rather than hiding.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Mark, IL — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:26:03 GMT

Kudos to Barack for facing controversey head on. This is the behavior we expect and applaud from our leaders.

Unlike others who blow smoke to hide things such as tax returns, earmarks, etc., etc., etc.....

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Carly Hussein, Iowa City, Iowa — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:26:04 GMT

This is what is called "Presidential."

It takes a real leader and statesman to tackle such issues of race, and I applaud Obama loudly for having the courage to come before us and have a dialogue about race and racism.

Sure, the recent events have necessitated such a conversation, and it's one he probably wanted to avoid until he'd secured the nomination because so many are apt to judge him for the very attempt to discuss the painful issues of race, but I think he's going to have another shining moment tonight, and that's what it takes to be president:

A willingness to have a tough conversation, to discuss an issue that is still very raw and emotional for so many of our citizens--black, white, and other. But this is what Obama has always said he will do: tell it like it is, tell us what we might not be ready to hear. I think it is time we had an honest conversation about race and racism in our country and he's just the man to do it.

I wish Obama all the courage and wisdom in his speech to once again inspire and unite those that wish to divide and to be divided.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Yvette, Laurelton, NY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:29:17 GMT

Can someone please tell me what Bill or Hillary Clinton has ever really done for Black, Hispanic, Asian American's. While Bill Clinton was in office he passed more laws to protect wall street then he did for middle income people. The extreme mortgage crisis and job loss are a part of his decisions and laws he passed while in office.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

observer — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:00:10 GMT

The U.S. gov is not innocent by a long shot and has been responsible for allowing social injustice to flourish here. The constitution did not include justice and liberty for all during slavery and still does not. There is much work to do here and it seems that our Gov as is, is not stepping up to the challenge in a way that has been as affective as we the people need. Racism in
America, no matter what its source or direction, is the bastard child of U.S. Gov policy. i love America but i am ashamed of our Gov's lack of liberty and justice for all.

Obama's speech: The Wright stuff?

Brian, Wash DC — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:10:40 GMT

I have been known to have shady friends who have radical and even offensive political or social opinions. But I don't buy into their philosophy, and knowing them makes me a more rounded person. Why can't the leaders of our society also be afforded the same social liberty? This country is full of radicals, and you can't expect to bring it together if you refuse to associate with anyone who has ever said anything offensive! Obama's willingness to learn from anyone, regardless of political position or past commentaries, is what will make him a bold new president. His openness plays into his opinions on foreign policy as well... keep your enemies closer than your friends. Enough of the political "better-than-thou" attitude. It is absolutely absurd that the country is ganging up against a man who is willing to listen.