The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Ron, TX — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:40:43 GMT

No more division! No more parsing! Not this time!
Obama '08!

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

AMERICA THE BRAVE.. WRIGHT? — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:44:43 GMT

The MEDIA is CRAZY to say this is a great speech instead of addressing the real issues of the man NOT choosing to seperate himself from a known ANTI-AMERICAN pastor. I expected this sort of spin from the media though.

So Sen. Obama LIED?

OBAMA is DONE... OVER and FINISHED (very sad). When you loose TRUST with the American people, it is VERY difficult to get this back... if at all.

TRUST is the single value Americas really care about and NEED most in their lives right now.

HOPE does not pay my bills; car insurance, mortgage, health insurance..

BUT TRUSTING in someone to help make things right DOES... and Obama has totally 100% lost this, not only are the chickens NOT coming home to roost, neither is TRUST !

What else will he lie about?
William Ayers?
Tony Resko?

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Natalie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:45:06 GMT

You can't make everything better with a speech. His judgment and past can be cleared up with a speech...um no no. His whole campaign can be run on a speech...um no no. What if George Bush just gave a speech after he effed things up....doesn't help the situation. I would like somebody with experience so we don't have to hear a speech!

Should Hillary deliver a speech on gender divide and make everything all better? Guess what!! She doesn't need to, because she has shown to succeed by her actions and not her words!!

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

turnip — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:45:40 GMT

Taylor Marsh's is the most honest assessment, and she admits that it was a powerful, transcendent, but somehow tries to spin it that a discussion about race is a bad thing. Senator Obama's message is obviously that race discussion in the open political forum is better than the whispered conversations at dinner tables.

She got it right, but for the wrong reasons. this will work FOR his candidacy, not against it, in the long run.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Izzy, New York City, NY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:45:57 GMT

Having heard Mr. Obama's speech today, I have never been more proud to be an American. Viewers in other countries could have no better demonstration, as Mr. Obama so eloquently expressed, of the "genius" of the American system: the fact that we can change.

New York City

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Tardis — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:46:18 GMT

Still nothing beats the Tardis Speech from the Throne

http://tardis-db.co.uk/main.html

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Randy Ewart (SC) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:48:16 GMT

I'm a white teacher at a 60% minority school and deal with the challenges in educating our African-American students daily. From this experience, I believe Obama is a man who can guide us in a new direction. A man who can push this hot button issue and allow real dialogue.

I was deeply moved and am more steeled than ever in my support for this candidacy.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

twocanpete — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:48:47 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com
When a person of wealth and privilage stills claims discrimination and wants to disparage their country you have to wonder if they aren't just mad about the color of their skin.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:48:51 GMT

Keith Olbermann:

We are in the midst of a sea change. You have never wavered. You have never once put your finger to the wind to see what the rest of the media was saying. Your have remained steadfast in all of your reporting, every single night, with guests such as Jonathan Turley, John Dean, Richard Wolffe, Jonathan Alter, Howard Fineman and Rachael Maddow.

You may never fully realize what a difference you have made in these last few years. But you have. Countdown is the only program we can turn to when we want honest reporting. We get inundated with opinions all day long, with most everyone echoing each other over and over, depending on what the polls show. Most of us are now able to see through it all.

And while we will never fully be able to rid ourselves of the liars, the war mongers, the racists, the hate mongers and the hypocrites, at least we know we have a program we can turn to with a host who not only knows instinctively when our government and large chunks of the media are lying, we know also we have a man who will never be afraid to say so.

The air waves belong to us, the people, not a particular party. You and your guests may be the only people on television who understands this.

The old way will not work any longer.

Thank you.

Obama/Webb 2008

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Becky, Fairfax, VA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:49:38 GMT

Ignorance will always abound -stubborness will always rule in the hearts of some. I applaud Senator Obama for confronting the issue head on as only he can, but unfortunately, the ignorant will choose to find fault. They are too stubborn to view the world with open eyes - they will see the world their own limited & narrow viewpoint.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Bonnie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:49:49 GMT

Alas most people won't listen to it, won't read it, wouldn't be able to understand it if they did. They've made up their minds. A year ago, I thought if the democrats could unite with a top notch candidate and pull in some independents and a few republicans, they'd win back the white house. We got the top notch candidate in Obama. Thanks to Hillary's lust for power, we'll have another four years of Republican rule. This will be a sad day in history.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Florida mad as hell Democratic voters — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:50:21 GMT

If Obama wants "unity", of his party he would "demand" that the Florida "fair" vote stand and all delegates be seated at the Democratic convention. Otherwise he will definitly loose the election.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Noel, Hot Springs — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:50:35 GMT

I thought he could have nodded his head and pointed his finger more during the speech. :-)

Just a little humor about the styles of Obama and Clinton.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

John D. — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:51:18 GMT

I got chills reading the full text of the speech . . . I think this will go donw in history as one of the great speeches of the early twenty-first century.

I'm a white male, but I agree with everything Mr. Obama says. I hate so many things about the current political system (and don't let any of his opponents tell you that they don't hate it too . . . just listen o how they talk about each other).

We're at a crossroads. We, the people, can let this race get drug into the usual mud of politics and come out with no real changes to the problems in the system that we all hate, or we can reject it and unite behind change.

As for me . . . I say "not this time"

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Nj — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:51:30 GMT

I have heard some of it and I am impressed. This man is special. We all know it. People want to put him down because he is special.
I agree with him on everything. We need a PRESIDENT who is willing to tackle all issue head on.
No more secrecy and divide.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:51:36 GMT

You certainly have to applaud the courage of a man who is willing to make himself the lightning rod for the most divisive issue in American politics. Especially when that man’s ancestry almost perfectly embodies the “melting pot” that American was supposed to become. A brilliant speech, indeed, delivered on a whole other level -- and from the heart.

The politics of divisiveness? Not this time.

Obama/Webb 08

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

John — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:51:48 GMT

Obama is OVER.

Obama is UNELECTABLE.

Obama's speech today did nothing but harm him more. His attempts to defend his "mentor" and "pastor" Jeremiah Wright are fruitless. It's telling that Obama seems willing to throw his ill, white, grandmother who took him in under the bus but not his racist friend and pastor. obama also admitted (after lying about it over the weekend) that he was in fact in his "church" during Wright's offensive comments. WOW.

Obama cannot defend the indefensible.

The only question that remains is how fast can the Dems get this toxic loser out of the race before he completely destroys any chance for a Dem victory in November???

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Cathy, Baltimore, MD — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:52:12 GMT

I'm going to agree with my Republican husband...."brilliant, absolutely brilliant. He has just won the nomination and probably the election".

I must say, it is a pleasure to listen/read a well-written speech again.

He addressed those who wished to rattle his cage and it did it well.

Bravo - give your speechwriter a raise!

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

eric frederick MD — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:52:27 GMT

You know how in real estate its ...... location, location, location? Well in politics its....judgment, judgment, judgment. Mr. Obama get a big fat "F" for a failure in judgment for sitting, year after year, under his Pastor’s venomous racial hatred, bigotry and unpatriotic trashing our country. No amount of distancing from words will ever redeem a failure in judgment.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Gerald, Texas — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:52:41 GMT

On balance, the reviews are very fair. All agree that the speech was substanitive and historic.

Those that support Clinton will continue to maintain that the intimations feel short, while Obama supporters believe it went well beyond expectations.

In the final analysis, ALL of us experienced COMPLETELY cogent, inclusive speech that can can only be assaulted by those intent on continued division.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

iowan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:52:48 GMT

The reviews are spot on. This guy does not stumble, but just keeps going, very aware of what's going on around him but never losing sight of the big picture or his own role in it.

As to Pat, yes, Keith O is pretty steadfast.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Dr.Strangedog. MI — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:52:55 GMT

Most of what I read to reject the speech today is systemic of the context of his speech. I won't name anyone but their input is pretty consistent.

Jonah Goldberg said on "Morning Joe"

As long as guys like me can keep up the issue of Obama's minister then the issue of race remains a part of the discussion.

So while I don't suggest we ignore him or his ilk, but we can comprehend that the motive isn't understanding but division. Acknowledge that and .....
YES WE CAN.....move past this

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Logan, Dallas, TX — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:53:03 GMT

"HOPE does not pay my bills; car insurance, mortgage, health insurance.."

You're right. YOU should pay your bills, car insurance, mortgage, and health insurance. Take responsibility for your life, you bum. The country has bigger things to deal with than giving you handouts.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Suzanne Chicago — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:53:44 GMT

I was reminded today why I fell under the spell of Barack Obama the first time I heard him speak four years ago. Brilliance combined with honesty in a man more authentic, more decent than anyone in political life since Abraham Lincoln. If you read Doris Kearn Goodwin's Lincoln book "Team of Rivals" the similarities between these two men in character and personality are striking.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Steve — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:53:54 GMT

Obama gets an "A" for speeches and a "F" for action. The American people can see through this rhetoric. His ACTION was staying with and now continuing to standby a pastor who is clearly racist and denounces the United States. His rhetoric of saying he knew nothing and rarely knew of Rezko based on a earlier debate this year and yet his ACTION shows that Rezko contributed close to a half million dollars to his campaign and they had adjoining properties and a close relationship. We all know Obama has the ability to gives these great speeches. So what. These speeches mean nothing when you have a candidate whose action shows that he has a close relationship from a person of criminal activity and a candidate that has a close relationship with a pastor that denounces the United States and a candidate that voted "present" on many controversial votes that might affect his political career. The American people are smart enough to see that Obama's action is what defines him not his speeches! America will never elect Obama for President based on his actions!

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Worried, TN — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:54:11 GMT

I'm sorry he has shown any reason that he should win. I believe it is him and his camp that have brought race into this election. Our economy needs help for everyone. He has been taught that only his people suffer. We are one nation and the middle class and poor are hurting. The middle class are black, white, brown, red, all colors. I want a president that looks at this country alot different than him. He will never be president.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Sterling, Georgia — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:54:17 GMT

What concerns me are the children attending these services listening to this hate and anger. Are they leaving the church feeling all warm and fuzzy? Or do they leave confused with hate in their hearts?

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

HP Boston — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:54:25 GMT

So all a person, any person has to do is give a speech and he / she can be president. A flimflam man is KNOWN for being a good speaker, that is how they bamboozle you!
Wow now who wants to come with me and find my puppy and I have candy for you little innocents!???
AMBER ALERT (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:22 PM)
--------------------------------------------
So many words, just words and NOTHING HAS CHANGED!
I hope the fools that swallow this crap whole do not choke to death!
Wright is still a racist and Obama is still a liar!

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Anti Reaganess, Columbus Georgia. — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:54:56 GMT

OMG!!

CHAMELEONS ONCE SEEN....

It's not really an empty suit, it's multiple suits, the problem with chameleons are that regardless of the color of suit they wear today, behind the kaleidoscope of colors, it's still scaly, cold blooded, calculating, clever, opportunistic, and always trying to blend into their surroundings, it's how they stay alive....

But as anyone knows, once you see the chameleon, and put a good eye on him, it's hard for him to fade back into the back ground, that so carefully gave him cover through "color".... It doesn't matter where he moves, jumps, swims, crawls, walks, or even talks. Your eyes follow, and see the chameleon for what he is.... all the gifts of camouflage that so delicately hid his image are gone.....

The game is up Obama, you have never fooled many of us, mostly because we don't all operate on the guilt ridden liberal latte platitude, that your chameleon like gambit has allowed you to so successfully manipulate. You ran a campaign on words, because that's really all you had to offer, you actual political resume is paper thin, your inexperience and lack of JUDGMENT is palpable. The con game is not going to work, not anymore "Elmer Gantry" was character in a movie, not running for President.

We see you Obama, you can't fade into the background anymore. You ultimately have to be "somebody" someone with an identity... if you can't define what that identity is, then it is up to others to define it for you....

Your initial resounding success, at this slipping from one philosophical color, to another philosophical color, as clever as it has been, has also been your greatest failure. In that nobody really knows who you are... the blank slate that you claim to be, is there to be colored in, because you have refused to color it in yourself.... You chose your surroundings, to color it for you.

"Yes we do."

See you Obama, and it is not the "Chameleon" you had "hoped" for. It's the "Chameleon" that your really are....

Francis Crosby

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Anti Reaganess, Columbus Georgia. — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:55:20 GMT

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Noel, Hot Spring, AR — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:55:44 GMT

Obama must have been wearing Romney's magic underwear for this one.

Great Speech

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Michael Vernotico, Summit, NJ — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:55:52 GMT

The Senator missed the point. He needs to convince Wright he is wrong. Not to convince us that these wrong views won't prevent him from making the right judgements.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Just the Facts — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:56:26 GMT

Natalie,
When in glass houses, don't throw stones. Hillary Clinton should heed those words. Why? Because she has spent the past year ranting about how her opponent has "nothing but speeches." (you xeroxed her quite well in your post). Yet, when her SCHIP claims have been denounced by those involved, her claims on Northern Ireland have been denounced by those who achieved the peace, and her claims about Bosnia have been utterly rejected by those who were on the comedy and singing mission with her, what does she have? A SPEECH. One speech in Beijing. That's it.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Chris mathewws — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:56:33 GMT

It made my leg tingle.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

fortuna, Houston, TX — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:56:47 GMT

Pat, Boston re: Keith - Amen!

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Deborah Greenlawn, NY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:56:50 GMT

I just cannot think of anything that Sen. Clinton would have to say that could rivet the national attention to that podium.
People will be discussing this and the issue which is important to the nation, not just some petty political swipe of the day. When it's from the Clintons, it's Bill being Bubba, throwing blacks under the bus when they've supported him for so long, or Ferraro's unfortunate and old pol remarks, hiding documents-again. And now it's the visuals of an activist black church suddenly thrust back in the media, churches like those down south that Bill Clinton is very familiar and comfortable around but knows darn well that PA blue collar men would not.
Timing? Is this SC all over again from the Clintons?
This is why no one will be riveted, ever, anytime Sen. Clinton takes the podium. No one will discuss around their schools, offices, blogs, etc., her vision, her speeches. Ever.
Whoever is our President, must want to be and be the President of the United States. Not just want to be President.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

HP Boston — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:56:57 GMT

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

MCCAIN — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:57:12 GMT

OBAMA=LOSER

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

OBwan, IN — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:57:27 GMT

To all reviewers it was / is all that and more. Yes - we will be talking about this through the week and that is not all bad either for the country or his candidacy. It was only a speech that he could give from his unique position among the candidates.

Their will be those who praise and those who will vilify each to their own experiences.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Jay Link, Chicago, IL — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:57:35 GMT

Well let's see he started out as far back as 1787 and then he started bragging about his wins in the white states. He blames the racial tension in South Carolina basically on the Clinton's. He lied before , because he said he know how Wrights racist words were divisive, making excuses, more excuses blah, blah, blah, Geraldine Ferraro brought up, OJ. Well, he covered all his bases, but the speech was just empty meaningless words trying to prevent even more damage. It was not effective at all.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Ashamed to be Democrat — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:58:07 GMT

These RACIST Democrats, including the Clintons, are NOT being addressed by the media. MSNBC is doing this country a deep disservice by not bringing the Racist Democrats to the forefront, I can't believe the Racist Clintons have divided this country so much. just so she can have the nomination

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Kelsie Gavin, Williamsburg, VA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:58:42 GMT

I am white. I want to ask white people how many family, friends, colleagues, clients, etc. would they still be speaking to if held to the same standard to which detractors are holding Obama for his association with the reverend? Are any of you willing to NOW, TODAY call out anyone with whom you interact who ever said something you found offensive to another race, religion, gender, etc.? Would you get a divorce? Quit your job? Move out of your neighborhood? Disown your own offspring? Put your frail old father out on the street? Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you'd impress me with your righteousness. Maybe you will be an inspiration and example for us all to follow. Kinda doubt it, though.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Geraldine, NY, NY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:59:15 GMT

It's a good thing he is not white or a woman of any color because then no one would pay any attention to this speech.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

kenn — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:59:24 GMT

And thank you for helping to split the democrats kieth by commiting yourself to the Obama like a news man should.I wish I had an hour a night to vent about my favorite canidate.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Just the FActs — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:00:14 GMT

Natalie,
On your second post, I have to respond again. You are quite effective in xeroxing the "poll-group tested" lines that Mark Penn gives Hillary and her supporters. But again, just because you say it doesn't mean it's true. WHAT ACTION? 2 months ago, I would have given her credit for SCHIP and maybe partial credit for Northern Ireland. Now we know that the two things she holds up as "getting results" are NOT HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS. She's snookered the media and obviously you but that doesn't mean her claim of "results, actions, fight" rather than "words" is accurate. No, in the harsh light of day, her claims have been shown to be false.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Chris S. Seminole, FL — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:00:38 GMT

few points.

1. The other night in his damage control interviews, he said that he never heard this type of talk when he was in the pew. He even went as far to say he would have gotten up and walked out. Yet, now he admits he heard such talk and didn't agree with it. Yet, now he tries to deflect it onto those who have heard words in churches they didn't agree with? What a walking contradiction.

2. He talks about bringing everyone together to beat this issue, yet he denounces Rev. Wrights words, yet he still had his children listen to these words on Sundays? If he doesn't believe those words, and he thinks we need to get past those types of speeches in order to make things better, then why have the next generation, IE your children, listen to those types of words. Especially when children are more likely to believe what they heard, instead of dicifering what's right and what's wrong?? Makes absolutely no sense.

3. He says we shouldn't be wasting time on things like this and the words of surrogates like Gerry F???? WTF. It's been a campaign policy of his to spin the words of Clinton surrogates and play the race card. WHere was he when the news networds were beating up Gerry F and HRC over Gerrys' words??? Instead he said those words have no place in this election process. All the while Axelrod was attacking HRC over those words from Gerry F.

THE AUDACITY OF HYPOCRISY.

Also, I hate the fact that he choose more to deflect onto others the hatred of his Rev., from comparisons to other Rev's, to the Gerry F comments, and even to go as far as to say things about his white Grandmother. This speech was all about politics and all about him attempting to deflect the damage with a bunch of words in which he was really saying. "Let's just forget this and move on" "nothing to see here" and if you comment on this issue, you are the problem. What a crock of crap.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Chris, Maine — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:00:43 GMT

AMERICA THE BRAVE.. WRIGHT?

Keep in mind that 90% of America will think the way that the MEDIA wants them to think, so guess what tha means??

If you are hearing such positive spin from this speech in the press, he has in fact done what he needed to do.

Remember that this speech aired at almost 11:00AM EST. Most people are working at this time. I do not know if will be re-aired in prime time, in all fairness it should be so that all Americans get to see it in it's entirety. They will only hear what the media wants them to hear.

I will say what I said before in other posts...

This speech was a GREAT speech, BUT given the circumstances it was probably only a double when he needed a home run.

If he was to give this speech before the Rev. Wright fiasco, what would be your thoughts?

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:01:31 GMT

Pretty good reviews. Maybe enough to nail down the nomination, if he hadn't already (oh no, the dreaded math argument rears its ugly head again).

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Kathryn in Bham — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:01:40 GMT

Please note -
Every post that is mine is Kathryn in Bham. I think some people assumed that the Kathryn in the last blog was me, but I did comment under Kathryn in Bham.

I agree that this speech was stunning. My pre-speech comments were that I was looking forward to something of a 'King - like' speech, which is what we got. I don't think that it separated Obama from the race issue, but rather showed his credibility with regards to this issue. That is what I was saying; not that his speech was anything less than a call to action and rallying of his troops. I tried clarifying on that blog, but Mark didn't post my comments...

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Kay,Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:01:43 GMT

Exceptional, articulate, believable, honest...Obama because of this controversy received an incredible opportunity to demonstrate his vast appeal. Courageous. He will be ready and right on day one.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Chris, Maine — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:03:15 GMT

Hey Natalie?

What experience has Hillary shown you?
I want details dear...

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Lee Treasure Island Florida — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:03:17 GMT

As a older, white, female independent voter.
Obama's speech brought me to tears, on just the image our country COULD be. I hope our schools had it on, so our children saw it, and can discuss it. I hope the discussion is brought home to the kitchen table, the office cooler, the neighborhood yard sale. I hope the discussion is brought infront of our own mirrors.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Enrique, Chicago — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:03:43 GMT

Barack Obama once again demonstrated that he's presidential material. After having to endure the polarization of the Clinton and Bush years, Obama is willing to tackle the divisions and get us all to act as one.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Michelle Zee — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:04:27 GMT

Amazing at the so called American's who claim they want unity, but constantly post hate each day and want other's to run into the polls and vote for Clinton (if she is the nominee).

Prevailing is the cost of ignorance that plagues our nation. Anytme someone speaks of peace, others are challenged against their greater good to look the other way, while we in America continue to degrade who we can be in this nation and as a nation.

Well...if you have no peace and you have not a grain of compassion, why don't you move out our US of A? It's the hope slashers like you who have kept your feet on the necks of Democracy.

The true Americans deplore your efforts and are sick and tired of your acts of hatred on the prosperity of this country.

With a general election coming up I will remember folks like patty, john doe, etc., who denounce and reject all the good in America.

Day in and day out you spend your day tearing others down, how about doing something right, which is to come with substance for your candidate to convince others of why she is so great for America?
From her supporters I read hate for Obama, but no substance of why we should vote for her or why she would be a great president.

Try that for a change, because your are definitely doing her a disservice. For what I have seen of your behaviors on these blogs is not convincing of why we should consider and continue to vote for division.

Obama did a wonderful job in characterizing and summarizing the hurt of all Americans and if you can't find anything good in it, regardless, if you support him or not; you do it your own peril.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Jane — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:04:50 GMT

I could care less about OBAMA. He is an insult to america.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

M Wells San Diego — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:05:24 GMT

IMHO Sen Obama failed the ultimate test in this speech. I still do not know why he chose this church and why he stuck with it, given the number of UCC churches in the area. I come back to the fact that he was a grown man of 25 when he found Minister Wright and that both Wright and Sen Obama's friend Rezko had ties to Farrakhan. So pardon me if I'm a bit skeptical.
And, while I appreciated very much his keen observations concerning racial tensions, I found it very difficult to square this litany with his own background. I wonder still what Sen Obama felt he had in common with other church members, aside from the color of his skin, since his experience has been so obviously different from theirs. It is not as if the past 400 years of black history in America really have anything at all to do with him, except insofar as he chose to join the largest African-American church in what would become his political constituency.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Louie, Louie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:05:26 GMT

Grow up Barry. From where I sit you have had it pretty good. You have been taught to hate the USA and white people. Your grandmother hurt your feelings? How many people haven't had their feelings hurt by family? You would take a hate to the White House that would bring everyone down. You have spent 20 years learning from Mr. Wright and how many with your grandmother?

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Matt (buffalo) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:05:52 GMT

I don't care who you support, how much you hate Obama, or how cynical you have become. I defy you to recall a more sophisticated, honest, and profound discussion of racial politics in America by any politician in the last . . . ever? What Obama is saying here is that it's time to bring it all out into the open, including the anger and rage the black community still feels, but also the concommitant anger and rage many white people feel. No politician in my lifetime has ever displayed this amount of courage.

Oh, and yes, he did put the Wright issue to bed. He admitted that he has heard Wright say controversial things, he explained how and why he disagreed with those things, and he explained why he continued to be a member of the church. Those of you claiming he didn't will never accept any answer. You just want to keep attacking.

Barack Obama IS change. He is a leader. Everyone else looks small in comparison.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

INDEPENDENT TEXAN — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:06:47 GMT

OBAMA IS DONE...FINISHED.
HE CAN NOT WIN IN NOVEMBER......
FLIP/FLAP OVER PASTOR'S COMMENTS......

HEY DEMOCRATIC LEADERS.........
LOOK FOR ANOTHER CANDIDATE FOR NOVEMBER.......

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AREN'T STUPID.......

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

MK,MO — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:07:02 GMT

instead of blabbering on about some candidates pastor maybe you should mention how our government is selling out the citizens of the u.s. to bail out a bunch of unscrupulous lenders, by the fed once again cutting interest rates the banks can take that 'cheap' money re-invest it and turn a profit to make their self destroyed balance sheets look better, none of the reduced interest rates will be passed on to consumers but used to reap windfall profits by the financial industry, another good example of this administrations take from the poor give to the rich doctrine, interest rates for the financial industry go down, inflation goes up, long term investments of retirees go down, oil prices go up, all in an effort to keep the filthy rich, filthy rich and everyone else poor. people better wake up we are being raped by the government in conjunction with corporate america and most people don’t even recognize it.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

HT-MI — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:10:12 GMT

Another lie?Last Friday--never knew about these anti-american sermons.Today--yes I knew about these anti-american sermons.I will not turn my back on my mentor because he is the most important to me.The rest of his speech was the same speech he gives on the campaign trail.KO is fine to praise Obama---but we can do without the clinton garbage---day after day.I hope Matthews got thrills up both his legs today----I am ready to get out of the Democratic party---they are no better than the republicans.When Hillary is cast out with all the help of the media I will go to.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Voter, Philadelphia, PA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:11:28 GMT

JUST WORDS - PROOF OF NO ACTIONS

I have re read his speech again....

SHOCKED at the pure audacity of Bs'ing us...

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Obama " Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes"
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He not only now has changed his story again that he was in the pews when such words were said.

BUT I'm SHOCKED - he asks us to come together and not just talk about our divides but that we must act!

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Obama " And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part "
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Senator OBAMA, HOW can you ask us to act " do our part" when the 1st instance leading to multiple instances of your pastor using hate speech. YOU SIR DID NOT ACT YOURSELF! you sat thru it for decades... to add futher INSULT TO INJURY - you rewarded him by asking him to join your campaign!

I know the cultish obama followers are in their charles manson seance moment... But what a piece of crock to preach to us to act on these divsions , while he himself did jack when it was times to act!

get you new incense's out obamabots and sing ha ma na , ha ma na ... but his own words contridict his ACTIONS!

Unbecoming of A Presidential candidate!

"I can no more disown him (Jeremiah Wright) than I can disown black people."

Seantor Obama, you are a liar and unelectable.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Thanks Kelsie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:11:31 GMT

Kelsie Gavin,
Can you please re-post your comments a few more times over the next week? They were well-considered and very thought provoking. Too bad more people don't take a breath before they start chucking their slings and arrows.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Michelle Zee — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:12:31 GMT

Chris S in Seminole Fl, I too am a I Floridian. I know all too well the prejudices of Florida, this is a bunch of crap and you know it.

You never supported Obama and you want people to feel the way you do, but most don't so why don't you stop the bull. If you cared not what he said, why did you listen? If it someone I care nothing about, why would I waste my time?

I am so sick of ignorant people who have not a pot to pi$$ in or a window to throw it out and want to continue to dash the hopes of others.

If the hope message is not for you, vote the opposite, but don't get on here with this divisiveness. Why don't you tell us why the candiate yiu support is so great, instead of telling us why Obama is not.

Give me a break, what a bunch of losers!

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Joseph Legler, New York, nY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:12:39 GMT

Barack Obama said one thing last week which was that he WAS NEVER IN THE CHURCH hearing Rev. Wright's hate speech. Yet in his speech today, he said he WAS IN THE CHURCH when similar hateful things were being said. And he STAYED IN THE CHURCH after hearing them. His forthrightness comes into question now that his story has changed from one week to the next. Also, his judgment should come into question as well. He talks about his superior judgment all the time. Was staying in this church listening such horrible things a sign of his superior judgment? I would never listen to such vile remarks consistently on a week-to-week basis because I have proper judgment.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Sarah, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:13:51 GMT

Kelsie Gavin, from Williamsburgh, VA you are my hero. You managed to put into words what my frustrated brain could not. When did we decide that infallability was a job requirement of our president? None of us is perfect and I'm willing to bet that all of you who call Obama a liar never stepped foot into Trinity Church and have no idea who Rev. Wright is beyond the 30 second clips you see on TV. I believe it is a sign of steadfast loyalty, commitment and conviction that led Obama to denounce Wrights comments but refust to denounce him as a man. That's the kind of leader I want representing my country when we screw up in the eyes of the world (which we have done and most certainly will do again). He's honest, unafraid and aware of his imperfections.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Paulina W, New York City, Ny — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:14:24 GMT

Brilliant! I was moved to tears listening to Senator Obama's speech. I especially like that he did not throw his pastor "under the bus." If he had done that I would have find it hard pressed to respect him. Some of us have parents and grandparents who have said things that have made us cringe but we did not disown them. Character matters. And, not throwing his pastor under the bus show character.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Bill Johnson, Anaconda, Montana — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:14:37 GMT

If I ever need to answer the question "Why I support Sen. Obama?" I will point to this speach.

Here is a candidate who does not back away from tough issues. We, as a nation, have needed to talk about race in America for years, at least since the O J trial. Sen. Obama has laid it all out on the table.

Health care, the war, the economy and all of the other issues impact all of us. They are not caused by other races or sexes or nationalities. But, they are made worse by Americans separating ourselves into such groups and building walls.

Differences add to the tapestry of this great country. America seems to want to pull that tapestry apart, thread by thread, and say "here is a black thread," "here is a white thread." Soon we lose the broader picture of the tapestry for the pile of separate colored threads.

Sen. Obama is the future. I am proud to be a Obama supporter.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Ruth Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:15:00 GMT

Here what Senator Obama will never be able to explain. He has two daughters. Did he exposed both his TWO DAUGHTERS to these hate speeches? If he purports to be the seaway between the future and the past, then, why exposed his two daughters to this rhetoric? There is a difference between words and actions and here a clear example that goes against his NEW SPEECH.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Thanks for the Help — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:16:15 GMT

HT-MI,
Please just re-register Republican. You keep threatening it. Look, Hillary Clinton has NO MORE experience than Barack Obama. She WASN"T responsible for SCHIP, she WASN"T responsible for peace in Northern Ireland, she WASN"T responsible for the issues she claims in Bosnia. If I'm missing something that she WAS responsible for achieving, I would love to hear it because I'm starting to think I'm missing something. What are her top 3 accomplishments in all the "results" she talks about achieving? Can you help those of us who have looked at her resume and don't see it?

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Matt (Buffalo) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:16:44 GMT

America has become so polarized by partisan politics and political spin and idealogues, that some people can't recognize something that transcends politics even when it is staring them blatantly in the face. Obama's speech was that something. Those of you belittling it, take a breath and actually think about what he is saying for a minute. What's there to disagree with? When have you heard any national figure speak so forthrightly about what we all know is true?

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

campdog — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:16:54 GMT

Yes, no doubt about it, Obama is quite the orator. Now we'll just have to wait to see if he can get the trains to run on time.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Madeleine Ryan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:17:35 GMT

Where do we go after Barack Obama’s speech? I have a question for the press. Are you going to step up and stay on message? The message about the economy, about health care, about education, about employment, about pensions . . . These are the issues that most Americans want to talk about. Are you going to stay on message or are you going to continue the drama of division and distraction? What say you?

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Mary, Louisiana — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:17:42 GMT

How in the world can anyone take this man seriously when he was willing to literally throw his grandmother under the bus in order to rationalize the statements made by Rev. Wright? Hate is hate. Rev. Wright preaches hate. We've all seen the videos. Senator Obama has participated in this church for over 20 YEARS. If he denounces Rev. Wrights views, why did he remain in that church? Oh, let me see, his old granny is a racist because she conveyed her fear of young black men, so he can excuse Rev. Wright's racist rants.

Stick a fork in him. He's done!

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Donna, Charlottesville, VA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:18:02 GMT

I just read the entire speech, I am speechless....Sen. Obama is honest, courageous, transparent and truly the person we need to lead our Country out of darkness into a new era.

My Mom, a life long Republican, decided to vote for Obama several weeks ago. She just sent me an email informing me that all of the over 55 female residents of her 55+ condo in Florida (all Republicans) will now vote for Obama. The overall opinion being Obama CAN unite.

Thank you Sen. Obama for being stong enough to withstand the firestorm!

Donna

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

can't be fixed — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:18:18 GMT

There is no way for Sen Obama to excuse his bad judgment. He should have left this church. He can acknowledge that hatred exists in the Black community without making himself part and parcel of it. I know there are whites who have big chips on their shoulders toward Blacks. But I do not belong to their clubs and I wouldn't go to a church that espoused those attitudes. This is WRONG. And there is no way to spin it right. And I would dissociate myself from a white person who spoke about Blacks in this manner. He/she would NOT be a close friend. Relatives you can't help, but friends you choose. He has chosen this man as a friend and referred to him as a mentor. We can be civil and decent to people who disagree with us, but when it is issues of this importance, we should distance ourselves from people who espouse these beliefs. They are destructive and serve only to destroy progress that whites and blacks are trying to make in racial relations.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Colleen, NY — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:18:47 GMT

Funny, somehow people think if they type in CAPITAL LETTERS, somehow thier comments carry more weight...they do not. They simply appear hysterical and desperate.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

DShawn233, LaVergne — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:18:58 GMT

I wish Senator Obama had delivered this speech last Thursday when the "FoxNoiseHillarious4McSameAsBush" crowd started ramming the Pastor Wright clips down our throats. Anyone sitting out there wondering how these things seem to explode out of the blue are right to wonder. Have we ever seen The Clinton Party so quiet? EVER?

Senator Obama could have taken 2 or 3 roads out of this: 1) Throw his former Pastor and Church under the bus 2) Hang his head, submit to the wishes of "Hillarious" and leave the race for President
3)Step to the podium, like he did today, speak for himself on this issue from his heart, and continue this election process with the leads that he has in delegates and states won.

If the news networks stop their Pastor Wright loops long enough (well we know FoxNoise4McSameAsBush won't) maybe they can perform some exploratory exams on The Clinton Party.

The reviews of Obama's speech are in

Rob in NV — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:19:06 GMT

I am still troubled by the way the BLACK community continues to view this election in purely racial terms. By voting for Obama in 90+% blocks, they show us how to BE racist, and I'm not comfortable with it. If I saw Obama as a candidate who won these contests NOT because of the color of his skin but because of the merit of his ideas, I'd be for him totally. But as Geraldine Ferraro correctly noted, he is winning because he is BLACK, and because the BLACK community is voting for him on purely racial terms. To me, that's not a valid candidacy.