Talk of the Town

By The truth

March 18, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Obama has been a member at this church for 20 years. He based the reason for his book around the pastor. He and Hillary have made race a huge issue in the democrat race. I don’t think Obama is racist but his church is. Imagine if John McCain had a pastor for more than 20 years spewing racial garbage about black people. He’d be out of the race by now. This is something that libs can’t blame on white people or the right wing conspiracy. It’s of Obamas own making. He’s supposed to be the one to break the racial gap but this just blows things wide open. Race is a big issue in this country on both sides. Obama has based his whole campaign on being the agent of change but he is tarnished. No more free passes for Obama.

By Sven the Blog Catalyst

March 18, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Very curious speech. His distancing of himself from Wright was, I believe, insufficient for most Americans, and that issue will continue to dog him. The other real curiosity — He made a convincing statement of black concerns, but said little to articulate or legitimize white concerns, even though he professes to be able to bridge both ides of the racial debate. In short, the speech desperately needed a tough-love “Bill Cosby” section, which didn’t happen. As a result, it came off a bit preachy and one-sided, and I don’t think the speech as a whole is going to sway many people.

By One

March 18, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

AJC is race-baiting again!!!! What a shame, AJC has to resort to these kinds of tactics to get people onto their site!!!

Obama in 08!!!!!

By Big Ben

March 18, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Just say good bye Obama,Its over for you!

By BO08

March 18, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

If you don’t vote for Barack Obama after this awesome speech you are an IDIOT.

By GaNative

March 18, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

I can’t understand the logic behing people thinking he should leave his church based on some comments made by a minister. Who hasn’t attended a church where the minister says things that you don’t agree with? Does that make you get up and leave? If it did, you’d run out of churches to attend. How many people has abandonded Pat Robertson every time he puts his foot in his mouth? Ministers are known for not making much sense. Do you agree with everything that comes out of Bush’s mouth? Did you leave the country because of your disagreement with Bush? Get real people. You wanted diversity in this country. You opened the borders to let all come in. Now, does diversity mean every position except the presidency? Think about it, it’s no big deal even if he has some muslim affliations or heritage. You and I work with muslims more than likely and muslims are walking all up and down the streets in our communities. Whites are always accusing blacks of playing the Race Card. But in this instance whites are playing the Country Card. Everything this man does is scrutinized according somebody’s idea of how it aligns with their country values. So what if he doesn’t cross his heart to pledge to a flag, so what if he’s a muslim, so what if his pastor is nuts? He can’t do any worse than the status quo and the current president. Get on real issues that need changing like his agenda says. Bring jobs back to America, then we’ll stand and cross our heart. Why should I pledge to a flag that has allowed others who are not even U.S. citizens to come here and work while I sit at home? An you wonder why the economy is hitting the bottom. It was the middle class American worker that supported this country and kept the economy viable. The so called guest workers don’t do anything but take money out of circulation and sends it to their homeland. YES, IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE. OBAMA or HILLARY, makes no difference to me.

By Earl Greene

March 18, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

America must raise above race if we are to go forward as a nation. And it must see Barack Obama as the most viable Democratic candidate because Hillary is not electable. How can Hillary Clinton be viewed as electable when despite having the advantages of being the former first lady, a 2-term senator, having an ex-president stump for her, having the old-guard Democratic establishment machine firmly behind her and having the world renown Clinton brand going for her she is losing to a relative neophyte one-term senator who was so little known he had to introduce himself to the American public on the fly in the midst of his campaign against her. Yet Hillary is behind in the popular vote, number of states won, and in elected delegates. Common sense says: Electablitity aint Hillary.

By Jennifer A.

March 18, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

It is very interesting that this morning’s AJC version of this story quoted Obama as saying that his church had more white members than black members. Now that Obama has given this speech where he describes it as a predominantly black church, the text of the story has been changed. I never doubted the AJC’s allegiance to Obama, which is quite blatant, but that is just ridiculous.

By gtfan

March 18, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I think he’ll have more problems when the media points out his anger of Whites in his first book and link that towards his 20 years in that Church.

By Nana

March 18, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

What a crock. He agreed/agrees with his pastor and despises white people. The irony of it is that he’s 1/2 white. No way would I support him and will discourage any and everyone I talk to to be sure to fully investigate his alleged beliefs before falling for this load of #(%)@

By Grace

March 18, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand what his pastor said that was bad or false about Hillary. It’s just another distraction from the ecomomy and gas prices. McCain’s wife made a big deal out Obama’s wife saying she is just now proud to be an American. McCain’s wife grew up in a very wealthy household. Why is it so hard to believe that a child that wake up in a mansion is going to see the world different than a child that grew up on the south side of Chicago.

It’s funny how the press have choose to ignore that fact that Mccain’s wife was his MISTRESS in his 1st marriage. Can you imagine if that was Obama’s situation. They would have Obama’s 1st wife & kids on a media tour.

By jlanas

March 18, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

I think that we need to get away from the notion that the ideas and beliefs that are held by people that we know are the same as the beliefs that we hold ourselves. I think that the phrase “Agreeing to disagree” is a common one because everyone has their own views about any and every event. I hate that Obama had to defend his associates views. However, I feel that he addressed the issue in a very eloquent and relevant manner. We have major issues right now in our country and Obama’s minister’s views are not an issue that I feel is pertinent to health care, the economy,social security, or the war in Iraq. We as a country really need to stay focused on what is really important.

By Greg

March 18, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

I felt that the comments or the text words used by Obama explicitly addresses race within the United States of America. People who are negatively impacted by race tend to vent and sometimes the venting is counter productive. To repeat a phrase from the speech “We don’t have a perfect union however generation after generation we try to perfect it….

By Impressed

March 18, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

His speech was passionate and moving. As a white woman, I do get tired of the anger and frustration felt by the black community. I understand its roots, but wish black leaders would preach more responsibility and self-reliance. I thought Obama spoke to both sides - to whites, who need to be more understanding of this issue and its underpinnings, and to blacks, who need to accept and acknowledge their responsibility in this and other issues that face America today. And he reminded all of us that, while our history is part of us, it doesn’t have to define us today. I hope black and white leaders follow his lead and start talking more about changes America has, and can, make and focus less on the bitterness that arises from a past none of us can change. Sen. Obama is an inspiring person and his outlook on race might move this country forward again. I feel that there’s been little movement on race issues for 20 years.

By Cammi317

March 18, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

I support his politics. I don’t agree with things that many “religious” leaders say. Mainly because the message is usually riddled and sidelined with things going outside of the church. It would be really nice if the so-called religious leaders would keep their personal opinions and inflictions within their own households. As for the rest, I believe he adequately addressed the situation. I like Obama’s view of the world that we could have. Whether or not I will see it in my lifetime is another matter all together. When both sides can address that racism exists on BOTH sides of the fence then maybe this country can move forward. Thankfully, it appears that the educated younger generation is looking to move away from the sins and politics of their fathers, black and white alike. In them, I see hope.

By dana

March 18, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

It saddens me that Rev. Wright’s 30 year ministry is being judged by a 5 minute sound bite on a sermon that was 5 years ago!! wouldn’t you hate for your career and ministry to be dged based on something you said for 5 minutes 5 years ago!!

By DVT

March 18, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

BRAVO OBAMA!

He is Real and THAT IS REAL TALK that he put out today!

Much Love and Support!

By marbe baxter

March 18, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

It bothers me that he will continue to be counciled by this pastor if he became president of the US. If he said he was going to get a new pastor I would probably vote for him. Now I am not so sure.

By wakeup

March 18, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

To the people who say “everyone has went to a church where the pastor has something we disagree with” Give me a break. I’ve been to some very charismatic churches in my past all of the hell and brimstone speeches. I have yet to hear anything remotely close to what Obama’s pastor said. Those speeches were filled with hate for whites and resentment of america. Give me a break and wake up people. If you defend Wright you are no better than he is.

By Voice of Reason

March 18, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

As stated on the new site[www.WyattTeeWalker.com], “I don’t believe any white person will ever know what it’s like to be a Negro in America.”

By anthony

March 18, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Once again, Obama has to be the definitive solution to race. His articulate and well paced speech should finally show that he grasps the race issue. My question is “why isn’t Holy Hillary asked the same questions since she’s always invoking some civil rights mantra?” White churches also have no “higher moral” ground as I’ve been to many and they spew negative, opinionated views that their respective congregations listen to and do not challenge. I’ve always wondered, since we are on religion, what if all the white christians really practiced “agape” love and equality, would we even have a race issue? I know that there are true believers in all churches regardless or racial background. We need those folks to stand up and speak the truth and not allow the extremists to dominate the conversation..

By DK

March 18, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Simply put…this was the most honest, frank, and important political speech in decades.

He dared to go where most politicians and public figures do not.

Bravo Barack Obama!!!!!!!!!!!

By mike

March 18, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Funny how one group of people who have in the past perpetrated one of the biggest racial crime in history and has continued along those lines today can call someone else a racist. If americans cant separate the preacher from the candidate maybe americans deserve all the trouble this country is presently in. Rather you like it or not, it still boils down to what color you are. Keep posting you clowns since I will be showing your comments to younger people. They really need to know how americans think.

By Lynda

March 18, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

He is not qualified to be President of the US. Andrew Young has said as much. Yes, I had a minister say such racist comments, I would leave in a second ~ if I didn’t I would be condoning it. Obama is doing so. Hillary maybe “Old Guard,” but what the Kennedy family ~ new guard??

By Nana

March 18, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Come on GaNative, you are absolutely nuts. If you’re sitting at home you must be looking for a job and praying to God to not find one. First off there is not much of a choice in any of the candidates, including Osama Obama, Hitlery or McCain but the lesser of the 3 evils is obviously McCain. He understands that we must fight this war to keep us safe. All Osama Obama and Hitlery want to do is make this republic a communist or socialist society. Get real.

By D nice

March 18, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

I support O’bama but I really don’t know why he would even want to put up with all this bs to become president. don’t even do it Barack you are clearly to good to be president

By Rusty

March 18, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

I think what we’ve witnessed here is a tapdance of epic proportion.When all else fails for Barry he gives the big speach. Hillary has got to be lovin’ this.

By whiteyritey

March 18, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

It’s not Obama’s pastor and race that scare me. It’s his big government tax and spend ideas..

By C. I. Toldjah

March 18, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Boy, you just knew this headline would garner the racial animosities it has already. Atlanta is the most racially devisive city I have ever lived in (and as a retail manager for a large store, I have been transferred over 21 times in 30 years!). To those of you who poo-poo Obama’s minister’s words, I have yet to ever hear a white pastor, KKK or not, reach the depravity or words this idiot has: God damn America? The white man is the devil? White America brought on AIDS to wipe out blacks? If you agree with this you truly need a lobotomy. Seems like Africa is the better place for you. Imagine how much fun you’d have without ‘ol whitey to blast! Nothing but tribesmen and, of course, lotsa Muslims and others who can’t get along. BUT, no more whitey! Just think of that!! Wow…let’s go!!

By The truth

March 18, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

GaNative, You are assuming that all pastors make stupid comments. Pat Robertson has made some stupid comments but he isn’t everyones pastor. There is a HUGE difference in what Obamas pastor and what Pat Robertson say. Obamas pastor hates white people. He’s a nut. Pastors do make comments that we all don’t agree on but this is racism at its worst. If this is what black churches have been preaching and teaching then they are in big trouble. They’re being taught to hate white people.

By Pete

March 18, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

To all you Obama doubters. All I can say is. THE TRUTH HURTS, DOESN’T IT!

We need to stop pretending their is no racial tension in America. It is alive in the worst possible way. America has been pretending for the last 200 years. Lets wake up, come together and look beyond our color once and for all.

Obama put it like it is.

Yes we can!

Obama’ 08…

By hotlanta

March 18, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

You go Obama.Folks need to talk to his Pastor instead of blaming him for what he meant. It’s funny how the Farrakhan mess didn’t work now they are trying everything else. Pastor Wright is correct when he said that this country is run by rich white men and Hilary doesn’t know what it means to be poor and black. Her camp bought race into the equation. I saw him on PBS with Gwen Ifill last night discussing the issues and no one wants to discuss the issues with him. What irks me is if he was a Muslim does that make un quote, unquote “Unamerican”. Since we are being red, white and blued to death does someone has to be white and blue eyed to be classified as American. Who sets the American scale where it registers where one is American or not. That I want to know. Arnold Swazanagger is governor of California and he was not even born here is he an American. OH I forgot he married into the Kennedys and that is American as one can get.

By The truth

March 18, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

What’s also funny about all this is that the media painted W as a racist after Katrina yet there was never any proof of racism. We can now paint Obama as a racist because of his 20 year membership of a racist church. It’s the same as if W had a 20 year relationship with George Wallace or David Duke.

By 2Cents

March 18, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I would have left my church if they said God D* America. Even if I was not in attendance that day for respect for God and County and my own heart. It is not politics.

By juliamp

March 18, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

This is the first paragraph taken from the “About Us” tab on the church’s website.

We are a congregation which is Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian… Our roots in the Black religious experience and tradition are deep, lasting and permanent. We are an African people, and remain “true to our native land,” the mother continent, the cradle of civilization. God has superintended our pilgrimage through the days of slavery, the days of segregation, and the long night of racism. It is God who gives us the strength and courage to continuously address injustice as a people, and as a congregation. We constantly affirm our trust in God through cultural expression of a Black worship service and ministries which address the Black Community.

It’s a church that is racist and divisive. That is not what we, black or white, are taught in the gospels.

Perhaps Obama does not hold to all of the views of the minister at his church, but to have him as a religious advisor shows poor decision making from the man who could become our next president.

By GA_Tiger Fan

March 18, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

His refusal to quit this church is no surprise to me….blacks are more racist than whites! Everything is black this and black that…BET, Black Miss USA, blah, blah blah. They are the ones who can’t see past color and Obama is no different. As a fan of Mike Huckabee, I’m disappointed that McCain is the nominee but he is much better than the two possible democratic possibilities.

By robert

March 18, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

First, what kind of Christian Church preaches hatred????? The Christian religion is about love, not hate. Here it is being skewed just like Islam is skewed by terrorists.

Second, if I listen to Rush Limbaugh for a few hours, I start being influenced by him even though I generally do not agree with him. With that in mind, you are going to have a hard time convincing me that Barak has not been influenced by Wright over these past twenty years.

Barak should do the country a favor and drop out now. Save us a political race war. I’d vote for a black candidate - a Colin Powell or someone of that stature. Barak Obama. No way. Its just trouble from this point on I am very sorry to say.

Robert

By djm

March 18, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

I don’t envy the fine line this man has to walk. He is black and he is white. Let’s not forget that. And I’m personally comfortable with where HE stands on these issues, which is what matters in this election. I think Obama reinforced in this speech why he’s the best candidate to lead this country at this time in our history.

By Embarrassed

March 18, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

My wife and I both voted for Obama in the primary but we will not vote on him in November. We are stunned by what we have witnessed over the last week. How could Obama stay as a member of such a church and keep political aspirations? Why not remove the pastor? Anything other than listening to such inflammatory remarks for years! I still can’t believe the 9/11 remarks! And Obama stayed! My goodness. I only wish the Georgia primary was ran again so that I could change my votes. I feel cheated and dirty for voting for such a candidate. I should have known his lack of public attention was probably filled with negatives. And shoot, the “swift boat” ads haven’t even started yet.

From a sick….sick Democrat.

By Yoli

March 18, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

American needed to hear this speech by Barack Obama because we need to look forward. We have to confront our personal racism, and work for a better America. We look like a bunch of hard core racists around the world, and we need to fix our problems so we can look good to the rest of the world. Thank God for the younger generation, and not these old folks feelings, still cannot accept change. The world deals with skin color better than we do. What are we so afraid of color, I have never been able to understand. As a Hispanic woman, I do understand all of Obama’s thoughts and feelings, I voted for him in the primaries and will now difenatley will vote for him again. God bless this country.

By Dr. D.

March 18, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Senator Obama has been nothing short of a class-act throughout his campaign for the Democratic nomination. His responses to the negative campaign tactics of his opponent has been decisive and direct. However, there are still those in our American society who chose to labor on those issues that have absolutely nothing to do with Senator Obama’s confidence and ability to run this country. To answer your question, yes, he has adequately addressed the issues concerning his pastor. However, there are still those critics (and I use this word loosely) who will continue to dream-up controversey in attempts to bring negativism to Obama’s campaign. What an insult, because the American people are a lot smarter than given credit. My recommendation to those so called “critics”; get on board and thank God that we have an American who is talented, educated, articulate, smart, and well respected throughout the international communities, who is ready to lead this country in accordance with it’s Constitution and Bylaws. These are attributes that have not been displayed by the current presidential administration. Senator Obama’s handling of these issues has been remarkable. This has only strengthened my support, as well as the support of those within my social circle, of his campaign to be the next President of the United States of America.

By tiff

March 18, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

BO08, I agree with you. This man touched my heart. I believe him when he says he loves this country, and that his former minister does not speak for him. He took what the republicans thought would destroy him, and threw it back into their face. I only wish he could have made this speech later on today, not everyone is at home or can tune in at their desk like most of us. I feel like many other Americans, something is happening in this country. Something we all(black and white)can be proud of. A sense of togetherness, something that evil outside forces are doing their best to not let happen. You see for most of them (HANNITY, RUSH, COULTER, FOX NEWS, REVEREND WRIGHT etc.) that’s how they make there living preaching hate and separatism. I know as long as the devil has his way, there will always be deep-seeded hate in this country, a hate that most people are brought-up on. I believe if all you see and hear as a child is angry, hateful parents thats all you will know in your heart as an adult. I’m glad Barack distanced himself from the Reverend, after all we don’t need to be talking about our differences. We need to do what Barack is doing talking about the fact that we are all AMERICANS, and that makes us special and blessed. But I feel sorry for the ones who after Baracks speech will continue in their hateful, racist, and bigoted ways. You see these people will never know the joy of loving and being loved. They will live and die in hatred “TOO BAD FOR THEM”.

By Urine Jacket

March 18, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Obama is a racist

By BT fan

March 18, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Our country is going a direction it should not go with race. There are white racist and black racists, both feed on each other. The Clinton campaign accelerated the race issue when they saw the writing on the wall, Obama can win. Hillary Clinton will do anything to win this HISTORICAL election. They are evil individuals and will keep race on the table until the gavel closes the Democratic Convention.

By John

March 18, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

I’m a middle-aged white man. When Obama first started his run for office I pretty much had decided that there was no way I would vote for a black candidate…even a mixed race one. I feared his election to the office of president because of assumptions I have made about black politicians in general…that they will always fall back on their race in defense of their shortcomings, or use race in the execution of their agenda. They may not be fair, but I still struggle with those assumptions.

But the thought kept coming back to me about Obama…something I just couldn’t dismiss, so I started reading more about him…I watched the debates and I listened to what he had to say, and I listened to how he handles what other’s say about him.

The idea is picking up steam in my head that Obama can actually unite this country like no other person, in my lifetime anyway. In my 52 years on earth, I have never seen America more divided politically, economically, and socially than it is now.

The conversation needs to be started about race relations in America as well as the other factors that divide us. I think Obama is the person that can start those conversations.

I do not like the the pastor Wright…but I admire Obama’s loyalty to someone he has known most of his life. Obama has did condemn many of the things that Pastor Wright has said…it’s time to move on to the next controversy.

By Tray

March 18, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

I’m a white male, and Obama didn’t say anything that would convince me to vote for him!

Did he address the recently released information that 1 in 5 black males aged 18 to 25 are in prison??

Did he address that 1 in 2 black teen girls have an STD??

All he did was try to save his own butt. I’m not saying vote Hillary, hell no.

The only ‘popular’ black man i respect is Bill Cosby (mentioned above). He tells it like it is, and it’s the truth! Why are prison populations majority black? Is there a problem that black people have in obeying the law? I’m worried that the black anger is overpowering, and black friends of mine have told me they were raised not to trust whites. Why?? I don’t see how blacks can say they aren’t treated equally!! Examples:

NAACP-where’s the white version? (it would be considered discriminatory)

United Negro College Fund- Wow, the name says it all-it’s not the united white (hispanic/asian) kid college fund. This basically says that black kids get additional chances to go to college that other race kids don’t get. NO ONE can give me an example of a scholarship a white can get that a black can’t, but i just showed an example of one a black can get, but a white can’t. If you know your definitions…isn’t that DISCRIMINATION???

i will admit that racism does exist, but it is multi-sided. There is a fine line difference between a respectable black person, and an N. Just like there is between whites and ‘white trash’. Hell, i think Cracker is a racist term, but blacks can say it all day and if i complain, nothing happens. But don’t let me say that N word-that’s trouble.

Still voting Republican for now-I won’t vote for Hill, and Obama didn’t buy my vote with this “save my own arse” speech!

By Jim

March 18, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Very nice speach - well said and presented - he gets an “A” in public speaking and content, BUT this speach is a case of reaction to events. This is not Presidential , but the actions of a person running for office trying to put out a fire storm. Did he do it. I do not think so. Will he win – I think he might due to his positioning of his race. He turns out to be a bigger cry baby than HRC..Wah – vote for me because of ( fill in the blanks) – for such a bright fellow and speaker I think he failed to address the Wright issue on a timely basis ( like 6 months ago). I ask you this. What else it out there that is going to require another speech of this sort..

By Sick of This

March 18, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

If Obama worshipped at a predominately white church, crossed his heart at every time the pledge was said, sang “America, the Beautiful” and the “The Star Spangled Banner” every time the cameras rolled, recited the Constitution verbatim, people would still have an issue with his race and find any and every trivial reason to NOT vote for him.

I find it interesting that although Rev. Wright said those things YEARS ago, very few people are taking issue with Hillary for her association with Geraldine Ferraro, who made her comments DAYS ago. Why isn’t Hillary held to the same high standard that Obama is?

Folks, let’s be honest. The only reason why people are talking about Rev. Wright’s sermon is because there is some truth to what the man said. America has done a lot of dirt (including right here in our beloved country) and only reaped some of what it has sown in the 9/11 attacks. Basically, we like to dish it, but we can’t take it. The Bible says the we all will reap what we have sown. In case you’re wondering, I am a African-American advanced-degreed female Democrat who does NOT believe that all black folks are angels and all white folks are devils.

By Robert Barker

March 18, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother -

Your grandmother is a part of you. Your racist white-hating, anti-semitic, homophobic ‘pastor’ is not….! So glad that we now get to see Obama’a true colors. There is absolutely no way that we can seriously be expected to believe Obama’s statement re the Wright affair… That he wasn’t aware of the sick, incendiary and divisive views of his pastor. That is a slap in the face of every voter directly from Obama himself. Obama attended his church for 20 years; was married by him; children baptised; involved him in his campaign and so much more… Obama knew the views of this ‘pastor’ and denying this fact only makes it clear that Obama is NOT the person he wants you to believe he is. For a campaign being run on judgement and not on experience… Obama is clearly showing that he is NOT the right person to be the next President of these United States. OBAMA = WORLD CLASS LIAR; A VOTE FOR OBAMA = WORLD CLASS FOOL

By Jason

March 18, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Great Speech. Since when do we elect a president based on his pastor political views? Give me a break! Obama 08

By Mike Roberts

March 18, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

I think it was a great speech trying to cover the fact that he has been advised by an unpatriotic racist. Freedom of speech is fine for Mr. Wright, let him say anything that he wishes. The freedom to make up my mind who to vote for is just as important. As a long standing democrat I cannot vote for someone who surrounds himself with hate.

By JWE

March 18, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

McCain courted conservative votes from a church that believed 9/11 was payment for a nation that tolerated gays and lesbians, from another church that flat out hates catholics. As a white male, I found much to agree with in Wright’s speech. America is no different than any other nation in terms of good and bad qualities. Time to recognize that. I think Obama can pull this nation together.

By allen981

March 18, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

I’m a mid-50s, white, conservative Georgia native who truly wanted to believe that Barack Obama could help lead this country beyond the racism that I’ve seen throughout my lifetime.

Sadly, he can’t do it.

I’ve had friends who used racial terms and demonstrated the kind of insensitivity that many believe is typical of the South. But they are no longer my friends. I do not - will not - associate with racists.

Barack Obama does associate with a racist - his minister - and based on his speech today, will continue to do so. While Obama disavows the minister’s sermons, he does not disown the person.

That’s not enough for me. I have ended long term friendships over racist language and I will not vote for a presidential candidate who harbors friends who have racist views and use racist speech.

Barack Obama wants to bring us all together. His close friend and minister has worked to tear us apart.

Mr. Obama simply cannot have it both ways. The American people, as a whole, will not condone it. If the Democrats want any chance of winning the White House, they better find a way to nominate Hillary.

By Chris

March 18, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I think many people are losing sight of the bigger picture or are just focusing on certain points of the speech and skewing it against him. It took a huge amount of courage for Obama to take on this monumental topic of race. In his speech, he rejected and denounced Wright’s inflammatory speech yet again. He did express that he won’t “disown” Wright despite his comments. But, he also said he wouldn’t disown his very own grandmother, a white woman, who despite raising him and loving him “more than anything” has used racial epithets that have made him “cringe.” I’m am elated that Obama’s speech was so pointed and effective in terms of explaining our country’s never-ending racial division. I am disheartened to read comments (not just on this site) that express that Obama will be written off because of Wright’s speech. Obama has never uttered words in the same vain as Wright’s and has put himself out there to change this country so that it focuses on the advancement this country as a whole and not the elite. How sad that people will discount the promise of unity and hope fulfilled for the nightmare of racism.

By Fitch

March 18, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

This story is interesting because they are making Obama condemn some very basic truths. Are there drugs in the black community? Yes. Did the Iran-Contra scandel enable crack to flood the inner cities? Yes. Are there more prisons and is the prison population filled with Black Men? Yes. Has America oppressed parts of the world with certain sanctions? Yes. I’m not talking about the actions of other countries - I am only talking about the actions of America. Then why is it that Obama has denounce what is true. Also, condenming Farrakhan is just as wrong. Again, Were 35% of slave owners Jews? Yes. Has America been unfair to people of color? Yes. So lets understand there is always truth in our perceptions and history.

By Jigga

March 18, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Religion and politics don’t mix. Its so obvious. People beg to differ, but nothing about the political contest is Christian like. Furthermore, The potential candidates proclaiming they can bring peace, yet the Bible states no human can bring peace.

By Camilla LeBen

March 18, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

This morning’s speech by Senator Obama should really open the eyes of ALL Americans especially the ones who would prefer not to deal with the real problems that exist in the United States, simply because they do not have to experience the problems on a frequent basis. We all know racism, classism, sexism, and discrimination are all prevalent in the United States, but I think that most citizens would like to see a change. Most citizens want a true government that is for the people and by the people (Democracy). Most citizens want a government that they can trust. I think there is only who presidential candidate that can make this a reality. It is funny that some citizens try to make a man responsible for the words that his pastor preaches. After listening to this speech, we should be able to clearly tell Barack Obama’s true character. As the saying goes “When a man is faced with adversity, he will begin to show you who he really is”, and I like what Obama has shown us today. He called all of us out including me, himself, whites, blacks, browns, greens. Now it is time for all of us to make a change!

By jwill

March 18, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

I give Obama credit for one thing, he dealt with an issue that no other candidate has had the nerve to openly and boldly approach. Do I think his handling of America’s race issue will help him win in November? It’s made me believe that if anybody is qualified to bridge the race gap in America, Barack Obama is! Sorry Hillary, you’ve lost me.

By Greg

March 18, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Obama is one sided, you can’t listen to his two sentence spouting about change, listen to long lectures. He talks about the racial gap, how he understands both sides, and then only tries to legitimize his “blackness” by oulling aside that race for similarity discussions. Oprah and Obama are two racial trojan horses than want to be so race friendly, but when the truth comes out, it’s always about being a black person in America, and their supposed struggles. Why can’t it be about being an American wanting change, and American who wants growth, an American that want to heal the nation? It is always about healing black America. trust me, white America is very tired of hearing about plight when we see very successful black Americans everday. Everyone can blame someone, people who are serious about change look inside, then forward. Over the shoulder is, has been and will always be a losers aproach.

By PeterWashington

March 18, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

You know a person by the company he/she keeps. Obama has kept this anti-American, anti semitic racist for 20 years as his pastor and “inspirational mentor” (Obama’s own word)

By Me

March 18, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Race is such a touchy subject to even begin discussing among a private group much less in a public forum. Obama is not responsible for remarks made by those he is affiliated with. Neither is Hilary Clinton. Yet, here are two individuals who have had supporters make outlandish comments about race and the Presidential race. That doesn’t make Clinton or Obama guilty of having the same views as their affiliates. However, public opinion will base their platforms on these comments and other miniscule factors - factors that are irrelevant to the overaching goal - the Presidency. We’re not even looking at the bigger picture here b/c we are being circumvented by comments which are allowed by law - remember, free speech? I don’t care if Obama is blue, Hilary is red and McCain is green. All I am concerned about is who is the BEST person to serve as Commander in Chief. The rest is b.s.

By Not Interested

March 18, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

All of this is irrelevant. I don’t agree with everything my own pastor says. Show we a pastor that says everything you like and I will show you a pew liar. People are really gasping for straws by using this tomfoolery to discredit the only decent candidate the Dems currently have. If Hillary can get away with having Geraldine around her for years then Obama certainly can be excused for this pastor’s mindset.

By Camilla LeBen

March 18, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

This morning’s speech by Senator Obama should really open the eyes of ALL Americans especially the ones who would prefer not to deal with the real problems that exist in the United States, simply because they do not have to experience the problems on a frequent basis. We all know racism, classism, sexism, and discrimination are all prevalent in the United States, but I think that most citizens would like to see a change. Most citizens want a true government that is for the people and by the people (Democracy). Most citizens want a government that they can trust. I think there is only who presidential candidate that can make this a reality. It is funny that some citizens try to make a man responsible for the words that his pastor preaches. After listening to this speech, we should be able to clearly tell Barack Obama’s true character. As the saying goes “When a man is faced with adversity, he will begin to show you who he really is”, and I like what Obama has shown us today. He called all of us out including me, himself, whites, blacks, browns, greens. Now it is time for all of us to make a change!

By Joe

March 18, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

GaNative, you scare me

By hrw

March 18, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

One of the wise thing to do is to address this ongoing racism problem is in honest. He was honest in this thinking an writing. What we all must remember and not forget is never try to put Obama on, or place him, make him decide to only one type of race. That’s what I see hapening. He must run as a president should, for the people of these United States and we must not do or say ugly things about a person to keep him from representing these United States…set him free and let him run for the President of These United States of America!

By alice h.

March 18, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

barack does not have to leave a church because the pastor message is offensive(which this message clearly is(. obama was correct is staying in the church. sometimes you need someone around to funnel in the voice of reason

By W. Jones

March 18, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

The timing of this matter concerns me. If the retiring pastor of Obama’s church is a friend of his and his friend is close to becoming the first Black President of the United States, why would he say things that he should know would cause Obama problems in his campaign. Rev. Wright would not be the first minister or so-called man of God who put his religion aside for a few pieces of silver in his palm. I truly feel that he was enticed to make those statements at this time. What were the television cameras doing at the church. To my knowledge, they are not there every Sunday. Who arranged for the camera crew to be there? Did they know what the minister was going to say beforehand. The minister makes these racist statements and then disappears into the abyss. Something is wrong. Surely Rev. Wright could not have thought that his statements would make Obama a shoe-in for the presidency. There’s more to this. Racism still exists and hatred still exists between some members of each race. Now Obama has the weight of both worlds on his shoulders. No matter what he says, one side will feel that he favoring the other. Why anyone would want to be President is beyond me. It’s a thankless position, regardless of what party is in office. I pray that Obama remains safe and succeeds in getting into office. However, if he does not, he cannot say that he didn’t give it all he had! And as for the so-called Rev. Wright. There’s a special place in Hell for men who wear the religious collar and play the part of being holy and then succumb to the devil.

By Bob

March 18, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

I am a white 70 year old man. I served my country in Nam, had to sturggle to get good medical care, back in the 60’s i had a few black friends but i still cross the street when i see a black person. I sure as hell dont stop my cab when a black guy tries to flag me down after dark

I voted for Bush twice and was about to vote mccain but after this pastor thing i decided to read obamas books.

ANd i was shocked, stunned by this man - his understanding of race and what it means to be white or black in america today and the common things that bind us. I heard his speech today - i have no doubt in my mind now , this is our next president. i am sick and tired of living in a country where people judge people because of color. i am sick of hatred and suspicion. and only a man like obama who is equally black and white and who understands all part of the problem because he has lived all the different identities can understand and start to make changes.

so if he’s good enough for this old white guy he sure as hell should be good enough for you Comment by Bob - March 18, 2008 at 2:05 pm

By G-Man

March 18, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

By far that was a speech where he really laid his cards on the table about race. How anyone can come away from that angered really did not hear what was said. I thought it poignant where he stated that he would cringe when he would hear his white grandmother revealed that she feared the blacks and would use racial ephitats (that was powerful).

By Factoid

March 18, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Fact: Obama does not have the tenure, experience, or fortitude to be a viable candidate for President. If he were caucasian he would not be an option.

By reservoirDAWG

March 18, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

This guy cannot be the next president of the United States. Nor can Hillary.

By A voice of reason

March 18, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Most folks who are still outraged were looking for something to not like about Obama from the start. I can see how the comments could scare a person who is pretending like there are no race issues in America. Instead of listening and using their brains, they interject the type of stupidity that got us here in the first place. Meanwhile the real issues at hand are neglected. Open your eyes people!

By Mike

March 18, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

First and foremost, i want to let it be known that i am a white male who will be voting for McCain this Nov. (soley based on issues). That being said, i was very glad to hear Sen. Obama speak as frankly as he did this morning. He said a lot of things that both blacks and whites needed to hear. All though I’m sure that it outraged some, and will likly cost him a few votes, but not enough to damage his standing. About half way through his speak, I began to empathize with him on much of what he was saying, and hope that all who hear it will really let it sink in and begin to look at things from all points of view. Not just a point of view that promotes their self interest. Hopefully this will be a turning point in the racial divide that plagues this country from both sides.

By FarLeftLoons

March 18, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Too late for Obama. He just became the “Black Presidential Candidate who hates America and White People.” Just what he didn’t want, but it’s his fault. It’s inexcusable to not leave that church and the pastor. Disgusting race baiting, America hating pastor, and Obama has lent that pastor the credibility of a US Senator. Too bad that’s all he’ll be now. America injected blacks with HIV? America deserved 9/11? Disgusting.

By FarLeftLoons

March 18, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

And, yes, GA native, when my church made disgusting comments at one time I did get up and leave. I was 17, and I was NOT a Presidential candidate. So why can’t Obama do it? He’s more black than American.

By RamblinLonghorn

March 18, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

I still can’t believe that people will make a big deal about this. Obama has in absolute terms publicly stated that he disagrees with his pastor.

John McCain openly seeks the endorsement of John Hagee, an anti-catholic, anti-semite extremist who called Katrina “God’s punishment” for the sins of New Orleans.

By festus

March 18, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

A few truths: 1) Whites for Hillary will show up to vote for Obama if he is the nominee. 2) Blacks for Obama will not show up to vote for Hillary if she is the nominee. 3) This has been about race all along - there is nothing new here.

By Silly

March 18, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

We must fight to keep this war to keep this country safe? All this war is doing is giving birth to more terrorist. Who exactly are we fighting again? Do these terrorists wear uniforms or are we just over there killing thousands of innocent people, along with our brave men and women of the armed forces. If McCain gets in office, get ready for the draft to come back because I am sure we are running out of voluntary membership in the armed forces. I cannot believe that so many people are so blinded by the BS that the Bush admin has been feeding the public for years. I understand that we can’t just up and leave now because it is such a mess over there, but we need a president that has some plan on starting to bring our troops home. That might not be Billary or Obama, but it definitly isn’t McCain. When are you people going to understand that this war really doesn’t have that much to do with terrorism? War brings money, bottom line. Just like you said Obama’s pastor is spewing a racist message, what do you think Bush, our current president, is spewing?

By FarLeftLoons

March 18, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Right Bob. You think Obama cares about white people? I used to think so until he stood by this racist’s side.

By hotlanta

March 18, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

I would love to see Rev. Wright and Sean together. People it is all about ratings here. He will eat Sean alive. American still didn’t get want they want. They wanted Obama to say that he HATE Farrahkan the man and they wanted him to say that he hate Rev. Wright the man. Obama ain’t no fool. He knows at the end of the day who is gonna support him. Hillary is probably doing a dance now but Hillary don’t dance too soon. Everthing you have tried to bring against Mr. B has always come right back to you.

By Von Jennings

March 18, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

He still considers Rev Wright part of his family. If he wins the White House where does the good reverend fit in. Maybe he would be our representative to the UN because of his great knowledge of the world. Like someone has said on TV, “If Obama is elected president, the terrorists will be dancing in the streets.”

By Hey

March 18, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Once my pastor said (I’m paraphrasing here…) that gays were not normal and goes against the word of God and the laws of man. He also said that (again paraphrasing) God will forgive abortions.

He married my husband & I, christened my two kids, and & I love the man to death… but I STRONGLY disagree with those views.

Same thing here — people have their own minds to make up. Either to agree or disagree. I’d hate to think I could lose friends or co-workers on the views of my pastor.

By Tray

March 18, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how people say Obama is ‘brave’ for addressing this issue that everyone will avaoid. BS!!! If i could get the media’s attention I’d address the issue too!! It’s not ‘brave’ to talk about race!!

Bravery can be expressed by actions and words, and Obama gave a great example of his ‘bravery’-he is going to remain the friend of a known racist, and a hater of AMERICA (yes, that’s this country).

HIS OWN WORDS. So the people above who are pro-Obama…you’re telling me that you’re going to back a president who is and will continue to (his words) receive religious council from a self promoted racist and American hater?!?! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

No, the South will never rise again, but it seems the generation of STUPIDITY has risen, and it backs OBAMA!!

By Sarah

March 18, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Gosh, I hate to spoil the parade with for all the blacks and out-of-touch liberals lined along the roadside but folks…the parade is over. You can go home now. Obama had 20 years to repudiate the words of his spiritual mentor, his pastor, his friend. When did he do so? Only when he was backed up against the wall. It’s called political expediency, aka as getting your butt out of a crack. The people who were impressed with his speech would be impressed with any black male that walked out to the podium. This is all about race. If this were in reverse, oh lord….one can only imagine the protest and marches. Now, go home….the parade is over.

By Patriot

March 18, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Put Obama in a room with whites and blacks and he will act one way. If you put him around only blacks he will become a ‘bruther’ in a heartbeat. If he is trying to distance himself from this minister why did he wait 20 years to do so. If the minister is a racist now…he was 20 years ago. You just can’t change your spots….

By DAWG NATION

March 18, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Guess what all at the end of the day this will not sway the majority vote. Obama will be the new President of the USA!

OBAMA ‘08

By Silly

March 18, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

RamblinLonghorn, very good point about John Hagee. Now let’s see what the excuse is and how this is any different than the Obama situation. That will tell me all I need to know about the people on this blog, so choose your words carefully.

By sharon

March 18, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I work with a man that worships the ground Rush Limbaugh walk on. Should I judge this man and not have anything to do with him? I find Rush Limbaugh very offensive? Some people just can’t handle the truth. People are very uncomfortable facing racsim. Barack said this man is like family to him. Do you agree with everything your family members say. I’m willing to bet that some of you have heard co-workers and family members say things as bad or worse than what Pastor Wright said. The bottom line is this: for those people who were going to vote for Obama will still vote for him because we see through the smoke and mirrors and for those of you who still have an issue with this was looking for a reason not to vote for him. “marber baxter” Pastor Wright is no longer Barack’s Pastor or advisor, this man is retired so learn the facts. “wakeup” you needed to be in my church when he gave a sermon about the government’s response to hurricane katrina. My Pastor made Reverend Wright sound like a Pussycat.

By John H

March 18, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I am a 50 year old white male. I was impressed by Obama’s balanced handling of ALL American’s responsibility and involvement in the race issue. Moreover as a Christian, I was impressed that he did not condemn his Pastor, but instead condemn the language, the sin, and not the person. This was the most honest and brave exploration of the race issue by a major politician I have ever heard. It gives me great hope that a person of Obama’s experience, intelligence and courage actually can do what he’s talking about — build a new working majority that can move this country forward.

By tiff

March 18, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

NANA, you said that McCain was the lesser of two evils. Then you went on to say he knows we need to keep fighting, keep the war going. Last time I checked war was evil. It means death, destruction, sickness, homelessness, orphaned children, famine, etc. I don’t know if you screwed your head on right this morning, but war-mongers are evil personafied. DUMMY!!!!!!!!

By Silly

March 18, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Well Tray, I would rather have Obama, who seems to be the most honest candidate out there, than Billary or McCain. But who are we fooling here, America is not going to vote a woman or Black man to be the President of the US. So this is neither here nor there because unfortunately McCain will be the next President because the majority in this country can relate to him more. All this election is doing is opening doors to all people so they realize that it could be possible to be anything they want to be when they grow up, and that is a good thing.

By Lemon

March 18, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I voted for Hillary in the primary, but after this speech I will vote for Obama in the general election. Hillary wouldn’t know where to begin to clear up the racist remarks that Bill & Geraldine have said.

By IveyLeague

March 18, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Did Catholics leave the faith after knowing that some of the priests pedifiles?

Did Catholics denounce and reject the Vatican when some of these priests were moved to the Vatican for protection?

Did you know that Billy Graham made anti-semetic comments directly to a current President of the USA?

Did you know that John McCain’s pastor has preached against Jews & Catholics?

Obama is trying to get us to listen first, then speak.

By Ken Strickland

March 18, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious some people are profoundly influenced by racism, either directly or indirectly. That much is evidenced by some of the comments on this forum. How many Whites can honestly say they haven’t had a friend and/or relative make a racially derogatory slur or comment? How many of you made an effort to distance yourselves from these people? The truth is you didn’t because you’ve found something that you value in that person that’s more than that statement or slur.

Obama’s life experiences gives him more insight into the racial complexities of this society than all of the other candidates combined. He is the best candidate to lead this country out of Bush’s stupid war and straigten out this economy that Bush and his greedy republican allies have sabotaged, including John McCain.

On the other hand, some of you are only looking for excuses and/or justification to reject his candidacy for your own personnal reasons. WHY IS IT ALWAYS THE BLACK CANDIDATE THAT’S ASKED TO RENOUNCE SOMETHING OR SOMEONE AND NOT THE WHITE. WHY WASN’T ANYONE IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY ASKED TO RENOUNCE DAVID DUKE, STROM THURMON, JESSIE HELMS, AND ALL OF THE OTHER SELF PROFESSED RACISTS, SEGREGATIONIST AND/OR SEPARATIST THAT SWITCHED OVER TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN MASS? WHY WASN’T HCLINTON ASKED TO RENOUNCE GFARRARO AFTER HER COMMENTS? RONALD REAGAN AND BOTH BUSH’S EMBRACED THE MORAL MAJORITY, WHICH INCLUDED JERRY FARWELL, NEWT GINGRICH, PAT ROBERTSON, JIM BAKER, ORAL ROBERTS AND THE LIKE. NO ONE IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS BEEN ASKED TO RENOUNCE THEM, AND WE ALL KNOW THEIR MORAL CONVICTION HAS TURNED OUT TO BE A JOKE.

If you vote for McCain, you’re not voting for what’s best for this country. You’re voting for the republican party, which is what he represents first and foremost. McCain has sold his soul for the priveledge of being selected by republican party leaders to represent the party. His selection was determined long before it was put to the voters. For that previledge, he’s agreed to continue the same party platform and direction that’s led us into war and a recession. These greedy republicans don’t seem to mind sacrificing American lives daily for Iraq’s oil. They’re politics seem geared toward placing Iraq’s economy and stability above our own. They aren’t concerned that hundreds of thousands of Americans are losing their jobs and homes. What’s Bush and the Republican response to the mess they’ve created with this economy, a 300 dollar rebate, WOW. How many homes will that save? How long will that maintain a family who’s bread winner is now unemployed. Oh, and typical of republican policies, the wealthy get the highest rebates, not the one’s that need it most. When Republicans mess up the economy, their response is always a rebate. That’s like shooting someone in the heart and covering it with a band-aid.

By Bob

March 18, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

I didn’t see the speech but I am voting Republican anyway. Democrats are just way too far to the left.

By BuckheadBill

March 18, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Surely the press is not going to let him get away with condemning what Wright says and at the same defending him.

By Roger

March 18, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

MSNBC is now slobbering over him but CNN is worse! Every single person they have on as a guest is a avid Obama supporter. All we hear is most wonderful speech ever that will cure all ills and resolve all issues forever more.

What I heard was a good speech that was frank but filled with the right words for his voting base that he is losing ground in. Not much in there for people who are not already his supporters. In fact his closing part about vote for me or go down the wrong path was horrible.

The speech didn’t address the real issues with Barack Obama on these stories that are coming to light and finally getting long over due coverage. The issue is not his growing list of associates that could cause one to pause and raise an eyebrow but rather it is his avoidance to address hard questions at all. Senator Obamas usual first response is always a charming ambiguous answer. We do not like the fact that we have to count on the media to ask the same set of question 2 or 3 times before we get a answer that is clear and straight forward and not some charming ambiguous response.

He has had a rumored reputation of avoid hard questions and issues and he is proving that to be true. He really was gone during the hard vote or voted present on them. That is of more concern to me then the growing list of associates that raise your eyebrow, although that does concern me also but more for electable reasons then anything else.

In no way was this speech as good as the I have a dream speech, even though the people on MSNBC & CNN think so. Here is why, it was a political repair speech. The first part was good and had substance but then he quickly went to pandering for his support base. By the middle of the speech he was so busy hitting us with the right words to reaffirm his voting base to make it anything more then a self serving political press release. The ending was incredible selfish and horrible. For him to have the gall to basically say Vote for me or you will be choosing to go down the wrong path was a total self pandering statement. The convention speech was a victory for all people with no agenda needed or added.

By Silly

March 18, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

So Tray, am I correct in my assumption that you are backing McCain?

By Earl

March 18, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

This blog is full of blacks with fake white names acting like they’re former Mccain voters now voting Obama. Give me a break. No way in hell will Obama be the next president, you’re all frigging nutcases. Dream on…idiots.

By Michael

March 18, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

I’m a white conservative. I thought Obama speech was awesome. He might not get my vote, but he has my respect.

By Hell.in.a.handbasket

March 18, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

well obama certainly danced around that one…he denounced wright’s racist and inflammatory remarks but then justified them. when will the black community move on? not all whites are rich, not all whites are racist but these generalizations keep popping up all over and are never defended or denied by the media because to do so would infuriate the black community, never mind comments like the wright’s of the world, no matter the color are hateful lies meant to divide.

i have asked others and will ask again, if hillary or mccain went to a church, the majority of the congregation white, the preacher white and some of the very same nastiness and politicing came from that pulpit…how quick do you think the government would pull their tax exemption, how quick do you think hillary or mccain would be run out of the race and their careers destroyed?

heck even obama’s most ardent supporter, oprah attended wright’s church but left because of his teachings. obama stayed on, even as recently as 7.22.07 with an invited reporter obama sat in the santuary as wright attacked the ‘evil white’s’ and instead of getting up to leave obama nodded his head in approval…so much for his ‘i was never in church when wright said those things’ and so he has for the last 20 yrs. obama’s refusal to acknowledge america : refusing to wear an american flag, refusing to pledge or sing the national anthem was irritating but we bought his story of ‘patriotism’. the refusal of his muslim mindset because of his time spent in a madras and an extremist muslim father and his embracing of the ‘christian’ religion, we accepted it all. and now, his acknowledgement that he disagrees with wright but that wright is somehow justified in his racist remarks adds to the wariness of obama’s honesty. that is like telling david dukes or a kkk member whose family was robbed by a black years ago is justified in their hatred of all blacks…its wrong no matter the color. add all of these things together and its obvious that obama is not who he is portraying himself to be.

as a former obama supporter it scares me the ‘rock star’ level obama is being elevated to by the media. i don’t expect the man to be perfect but the things don’t paint him as human, they paint him as a politican with a very dangerous and scary agenda. i would advise anyone voting to research their facts on each candidate, don’t base your vote on feelings or emotion, base it on facts concerning voting records and hard cold facts. at this time in history we should know that making a decision as important as our next president based on emotion or how well a person makes speeches is wrong and could lead to devastating results. as an example: consider one of the reasons we went to war, bush, congress, the u.n., the cia based more on emotion and less on facts sought war against a country that even though might have deserved to be brought down should not have under those circumstances. and we have all paid dearly for it and our families personally. before you vote, think, before you think research and get the facts.

By Joe

March 18, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

The guy is a trojan horse filled with a hidden agenda.

He’s toast.

By libertybell

March 18, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Only in America can one candidate get away with race baiting, and the most qualified candidate would subsequently have to jump through hoops about his race in an attempt to bring the true issues that we face as a country back to the forefront.

Obama speaks the truth, get over it.

By Silly

March 18, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

I’m just going to throw this out there and I know it’s probably going to cause a stir, but I don’t care, it’s my opinion. Most of the people who are against Obama wouldn’t vote for Obama even if he stood for everything that they stood for. These recent situations that came up are only giving them an excuse why they wouldn’t vote for him. Your statements on Obama are basically an exercise in futility because he couldn’t do, be or say anything that would make you vote for him.

By Another Conservative opinion

March 18, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I guess there will always be two America’s.

I was a Romney supporter so, I’ve been waiting and listening to each candidate to sway my vote. And I think Obama just won it. I can not hold him responsible for his pastor’s words. We only heard bits and pieces of it. And I know Pat Roberson and quit a few other pastors have said the same thing. Do I agree, no. They have a right to their opinion just like I have a right to mine. There have been times my Pastor had said something that I didn’t not like and no I did not leave the church. You will be running for the rest of your life if you leave every time you disagree with something someone says.

Listen with a open mind and not with your eyes. ERacism!! Bring back $1.00 gas!!

By Grace

March 18, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

WHITE PEOPLE KILL ME ABOUT PUTTING DOWN ANOTHER FOR PREACHING HATRED. First of all he was not preaching hatred. Saying that Hillary does not understand what it’s like to experience racism is fact. Whites have preached about God and lynched blacks in the same breath so please spare me.

By Beverly

March 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

I AM PROUD OF YOU BARACK OBAMA. IT’S GREAT TO BE A BLACK AMERICAN TODAY, YESTERDAY & FOREVER. MUCH LOVE TO YOU FROM THE DAVIS FAMILY.

By lynn

March 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

That speech will go down in History as one of the great ones. He addressed real concerns of real people in this nation.

By Thomas Jefferson

March 18, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Dear Grace: You mised the point completely. It’s not what’s been said about Hillary or Michelle, it’s the hate for America that Obama’s mentor “reverend” has been spewing for years. Both are racists and Obama is nothing but a ticking time bomb…an accident waiting to happen.

By BB

March 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

I thought that Senator Obama’s speech was eloquent. He hit the heart of the matter head on and I know that kind of truth is not an easy pill to swallow for most Americans. Race has always been an issue in this country and is threaded throughout every fabric of our society.

I felt his candor about his views were timely and needed. He pulled the mask off of this country in a diplomatic way and exposed the ills while at the same time offering some type of remedy to correct it.

A job well done!

By John

March 18, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Hold up Earl. I’m usually not a blogger but after your blind comment I must say I’m a white McCain supporter and certainly thinking about switching my general election vote to Obama.

By skeeter

March 18, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

That Rev. Wright sure looks white to me. Considering his own mixed heritage, he sure seems to be filled with hated.. not what you’d expect from a ‘man of God.’ He could use some therapy..

By Silly

March 18, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Earl, it wouldn’t even matter what Obama stood for in your mind, right? There is no way in hell a Black man is going to be president, even if he is part white, just ain’t happening ‘round these parts. Just say what you really want to say.

By paul

March 18, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Just another politician talking out of both sides of his mouth. Condemning Wright and then saying he will not give him up. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing telling people what he thinks they want to hear. Change, change to what, someone who will bring Wright the racist to be an advisor to the President.

By Tom

March 18, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Sure, what Wright said was stupid. But how many right-wing religious nutcases like John Hagee and James Dobson and Pat Robertson and D. James Kennedy and Jerry Falwell and Francis Schaeffer and Rod Parsley have gotten a total pass from their “godly” listeners and warm embraces from Republican politicians while blaming hurricanes and epidemic diseases and 9/11 and who knows what else on homosexuality or abortion?

By Sick of This

March 18, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it interesting that when Obama ran for U.S. Senator, Rev. Wright’s comments (made before that time) were not issues? But, then, Obama had the audacity to run for president! [Gasp!] Then he’s the frontrunner! [Choking!] Next thing you know he’ll be criticized for wearing briefs and not boxers!

People, especially those of you who are having a hard time with having a viable black U.S. president candidate, I truly feel sorry for you. When people of other races (i.e. George Bushes I and II) do despicable, idiotic things and associate with other idiotic people, no one is supposed to speak out. However, Obama has distanced himself from comments that were made YEARS ago (before he was even a thought of president candidacy), he is still crucified.

Well, I just had a thought. People crucified Jesus, and HE still conquered and defeated death. So, keep on crucifying Obama. Haha!

By GT

March 18, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

We, as African Americans should be accustomed to these types of tactics by white people. We are here to let them know, this is a new day. We are not taking their s—- anymore. A person cannot be held responsible for the actions or words of another individual. OBAMA 2008!!!!

By BOtime

March 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

PEOPLE OPEN YOU HEARTS. Reagan, Bush, Bush Jr, not to mention Clinton was a disgrace to this nation. Let’s do it right this time - elected Barack Obama in ‘08.

By Earl

March 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

John, you’re a liar. You are a dyed in the wool democrat. Nice try.

By FarLeftLoons

March 18, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

No, I wouldn’t have VOTED for Obama, but I would have respected him had he won the Presidency. Now he’s a 100% racist who supports other racists. He’s only a BLACK Presidential candidate now. He doesn’t care or represent the white people.

By John

March 18, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing that 20 years of ACTIONS can be swept aside by 1 hour of WORDS.

By Sam

March 18, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I just finished listening to Sen. Obama’s speech. Once again, as always, he leaves me tearful and breathless. This was deep. It hits at our core. It hits in our emotions, our minds and our memories. He issued a challenge for the American people. Once again, he called us to be our best selves. Over and over, he has called us to step out of our comfortable cynicism, our isolation and fears, and believe in something better from America..believe in something better of ourselves…demand something better of our government.

Barack didn’t play it safe today. That’s not his style. Anyone who expected it (Joe Scarborough) doesn’t really get Barack and certainly hasn’t been watching him. Barack’s Presidential aspirations tell us he doesn’t play it safe or conventional. But then, who better to create real change than someone with faith and vision, strength and innovation?

Today’s speech was so purely Barack. No one else could have given it. No one else could have pulled it off so brilliantly. This day and this speech will be a turning point for not only this campaign, but this nation.

Barack’s right: we can choose to linger in our comfortable doubts, fears, worry and cynicism or we can be the first ones to move forward from here, more united, more motivated and as true leaders, both in our lives and our cyber-community. A call to be our best selves. Man, I love a leader who expects something wonderful from us and who inspires us by leading by example.

By FarLeftLoons

March 18, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Jeremiah Wright and David Duke are the same:

Duke: “White people are poor because of the Jews.”

Wright: “Black people have AIDS because of white people.”

Same thing. Both false. Both racist. If a white politician at a Duke rally, would he survive? Nope, so why should Obama?

By M

March 18, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I really hope Obama doesn’t win the presidency.

By jcfromindy

March 18, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

This was an AWESOME seech. Kudos Barack for addressing this issue. This is not a black or white issue, it’s a human and American issue, of how people feel. There realls is no time for racism to continue in this country.

NO one should be held responsible for what other’s say. Barack is what America needs. If Hillary wins this nomination, I hope everyone votes for MCCAIN!

By uncle Tom

March 18, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

There’s no area of human existance in the U.S. that is not affected by race. If you are not white you are always at a disadvantage and thats the truth and you all know it. Name one area in life where there is no white influence. This includes atheletes also, looks who signs the paycheck. Nonwhites are never free and we never will be. Now there are more subtle ways to get us to conform to their image. It’s all about power and control (something we will never have).

By NoObamas

March 18, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Obama is a racist, his wife is a big time racist and his church preaches racism towards whites. This person can’t be president of this fine country…ever! We now know why blacks hate whites…they’re forced fed racism in the church they attend. If a white person had known that their preacher said half the things Obama’s did, there would be outrage in the “black communities”. Jesse and Al would have a march across whatever city to complain about it. The comment made last week that if Obama was white he wouldn’t be where he is today. 100% correct! The blacks are only voting for him because he is black and they hate all white people deep down because apparently we are all rich. NO ONE VOTE FOR THAT RACIST PIECE OF *RAP! We can’t have represent this nation with his BS politics and racism backing. McCain is the man! Obama, please drop out and save the rest of the country from your BS. Blacks need to wake up and stop putting all your problems on the whites.

By Melissa

March 18, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I attended a church for years that had some fundamental issues with which I disagreed. I finally left when it became too much to deal with on a weekly basis. But my search for community and spiritual nourishment has been a hard one as I jump from church to church to church in the aftermath. I understand why a person would continue to attend a church that 80% of the time is spot on, while 20% of the time perhaps a bit astray.

I also don’t think that what Rev. Wright said was completely inaccurate. He is simply stating what a lot of people really believe, whether white America wants to acknowledge that or not. What he is saying is out of hurt, out systemic oppression, and out of pain. To simply dismiss his words is to refuse to acknowledge long held pain and agony felt in a large part of the American community.

Barack Obama reached across the boundaries that have held blacks to one side and whites to the other for far too long. He reached out to whites that don’t identify with the “privilege” that we’re told we possess. Y

Yes, I am white, I am a woman, and I totally agree with Barack Obama’s speech. I applaud his backbone in standing up to a vicious attack against not only his race, his character, but also his faith. And I believe God spoke through that man today. And I am proud to support Sen. Barack Obama!

By Silly

March 18, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

FarLeftLoons, I can see your point, but have you ever heard of the Tuskeegee experiments where they injected black people with with disease? Doesn’t sound that much different does it?

By JBR

March 18, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

I think this speech is of historical note. It addresses the issue of racism truthfully and passionately. Obama has shown today that he understands one of the most complex of all issues facing our country and this understanding can only help us to solve other problems like health care and unemployment. Lesser politiicians often play one group off against another when addressing these issues making solutions impossible. Obama again showed why he can bring us together.

By wakeup

March 18, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Silly, That’s wishful thinking on your part. Intelligence is something you could never take away from Obama. The man knows how to address every little petty road blocks you and all Hill Supporters amd McCain supporters try to put his way. Wake up people, you need to look beyond the color of his skin and look at the real issues at what is best for our country. He is definitely a Renaissance man that can relate on both sides. Can’t say the same for some of you (if the shoe fits wear it)

By The Oddball

March 18, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

124 comments on this blog and I’ll bet not more than a dozen of you actually read or heard the entire speech.

By GMAN

March 18, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

It is quite obvious from the comments on this vent that no matter what Barack said today it would not have changed your opinions of him. And that’s the scary thing. Think about it!

By 2 Cents

March 18, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Race isn’t what is holding this country back. Fear is holding this you back.

There is a great fear in America. A fear of terrorism, a fear of the economy and fear for tomorrow. Asking the government to take care of every fear and issue in our lives is a slippery slope. Today is a great day. Why? Because you are alive and because you live in a country where you can provide for yourself.

Name one other country where you have all the opportunities as you do in America?
Dufar, Iran, North Korea, China, India, Mexico. I’m pretty sure these countries don’t have the illegal immigrant issue as America. Everyone in the world wants to be in your shoes in this country. To be able to rise up in your life and to have the simple dream of protecting loving family, becoming educated and having a means of securing your life financially. It will require an education and it will require a sacrifice of materialism.

God Bless America. God Bless You.

The strengths that have made America great continue today. Every time a man or woman in America invest in their education and seizes opportunities, they receive great rewards. Not the lavished life depicted in popular media, but a fulfilling life. When we don’t get what we want we ask what’s wrong with race? What’s wrong with the economy? We ask the government to protect us from these fears. “Ask not what this Country can do for you. Ask what you can do for yourself.”

More governmental help is more taxation. More taxation is less freedom.

Why can’t I have a mansion? God: But you have a home Why can’t I be rich? God: But you have everything you need. Why can’t I be famous? God: But you have people who love you Why can’t I be satisfied? God: Good question.

Obama might win the election, but history has proven. No president can save you. That is Black and White.

By Voice of Reason

March 18, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Hey, A Voice of Reason do you want to try to pick a different name?

By hotlanta

March 18, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

It is amazing how folks didn’t think that the Cosby show was real. Thank you Obama and Michelle for showing the world that there are AA’s in the world that much bigger than the Cosby show. It doesn’t matter to me if you win or lose. I am glad that you have the money/stamina to go the complete distance.

By Scott

March 18, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

What we should all question is that if Obama did not stand up to this man, (his friend and pastor) after all that he said, what makes us think he will stand up to any other countries in the world who are threatning the US!

By DK

March 18, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Let me say this.

I am a white male.

If you heard or read this speech in full and still wish to hold Barack Obama’s Rev. against him…you are most probably a racist.

Again, I am a white male.

By Ed

March 18, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Let me start off by saying that I am a white Christian male and that I love this country dearly with all of my heart and defend it whole heartedly and think that Rev. Wrights sermons reflect those of a racist and a freedom hater and someone who attends his services and looks up to him as a mentor should certainly be taken to task. Is this what they do in Black churches in America, preach hatred towards this country and towards white people? If so we certainly don’t need a President like Barack Hussein Obama who attends these services and looks up to Rev. Wright and considers him a mentor. I have been to a lot of church services over the years but I have never in my life been to any in which the Pastor went into a rage and blamed all of the social problems in this country on a different race of people. Furthermore Rev Wright should be totally ashamed of himself for standing there in GOD’s house in the pulpit taking the LORD’s name in vain. Perhaps instead of blaming the White man for dispersing the AIDS virus upon the Black people in America maybe he should take his own race to task for their promiscuous relationships and infidelity that lead to their own demise. GOD BLESS AMERICA and shame on Barack Obama, his Followers, and his Stupid Pastor.

By aristotle

March 18, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Any person that wants to know what Obama is really all about needs to read his book. He is a socialist (almost communist)and he is a racist. Don’t be fooled by his smooth speaking style and his use of race as his shield against critisism. He does not like white people. He does not believe in capitalism and his vision for this country is one of distributed wealth. If anyone thinks they want that, they better think again. It isn’t just for the “rich” people. I think his wife spoke volumes about both herself and her husband when she stated “that for the first time in my life, I am proud of America”. They obviously believe their minister.

By frank22

March 18, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

The problem here is nobody white or black wants to sit down and talk about past, current and future racial issues. Until then, this country will never change, and the context of a message will get charactized as racial, which may not be the case unless you heard the entire message and the purpose of the message. Now the comment about white people have AIDS because of whites, look at the origins of AIDs in the world and and how the disease came about. Was Wright talking white people giving blacks AIDs or the terrible health care system in the US that black people seems to dominate all the deadly diseases like cancer, black #1, STD, blacks #1, heart attacks, blacks #1, AIDs in every category, #1.

I don’t really care if Obama wins since he can’t make the promises he is making just like Hillary. The US political system is too corrupt, and we as voters need to clear house every 4-6 years.

The sad thing about this presidential race is, are these the best candidates the US has to offer. Hillary, Obama, and McCain?

Give me a break. Three Democrates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By A GAY AMERICAN

March 18, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

He lost my vote at the sc rally with another hate mongering black preacher, he will be president when oj goes to jail for murder!!!!

By Sven the Blog Catalyst

March 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — the Democratic Convention will be a complete circus. It is likely that the Deocratic power structure already has concluded that Obama cannot possibly win in November — he’s too polarizing and controversial now — even though they also have doubts about Hillary. Look for a brokered convention, giving the nomination to Hillary, as she’s the Dem’s only chance (albeit weak). When that happens, all h@ll will break loose, the threat of riots will be real, and the Democratic Party will be deeply fractured.

Who will be to blame? The Democratic Party itself, which has become nothing more than a loose, uneasy alliance between feminists, blacks, environmentalists, gays, socialists, unionists, protectionists, the resentful poor, the poorly educated in general, and the moony-eyed “American Idol” set (which goes ga-ga over repeated, pretty sounding buzzwords like “change” and “hope,” without a clue as to details). There is no cohesive philosophy to be found, anywhere.

By sc71

March 18, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Grace- One thing that a lot of white Americans don’t understand is when people like you make comments like, “Whites have preached about God and lynched blacks in the same breath so please spare me.”

When you put it like that, it pretty much appears that you lump us all together and all white Americans are guilty of similar actions or hatred. Look-up racism in the dictionary and that type of assumption falls pretty neatly in there.

It does get hard to listen when that’s where you’re coming from.

By Rich Pellegrino

March 18, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Win or lose the presidential race, Obama has already won, in my book, by presenting and representative the new America, not only in his own mixed racial heritage (which has become the norm in this country) but by enunciating a message of oneness and unity which is the spirit of this age. American will never be the same and cannot go back to narrow views or the idea of a monolithic culture and majority-minority mentality. Thank you, Obama…for reviving Dr. King’s dream and vision of the “beloved community” for us.

By Tigers03

March 18, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Obama is always talking about moving forward but why does he and so many other people still live in the racists past of white people? I know more racists black peole than i do racists whites!

By Freedom of Speech

March 18, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Someone tell my why does Sean Hannity continue to play the guilt by association game? Benjamin Netanyahu attended the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the bombing of the Kind David Hotel. That was a terrorist act. Does that make Benjamin Netanyahu a terrorist sympathizer and Sean Hannity a terrorist sympathizer as well who loves his buddy Bebe?

As a white in America you can never understand the experiences of blacks. It’s interesting that so many of you want blacks to “move on” from slavery and Jim Crow discrimination. You won’t dare tell a Jewish person to “move on” from the Holocaust.

Rev. Wright speaks for himself. That speech whether we agree or disagree is protected by the Constitution of the U.S. What’s amazing is no one is defending his right to say what ever he please as guaranteed by the Constitution. Senator Obama doesn’t need to defend himself any longer. If you don’t support him you will never support him for what ever small minded reason there is.

By Duke

March 18, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Obama gave a good speech. It is the first time I have paid any attention to any of the candidates or speeches in this race. None of them is fit for the office. Obama, McCain, and Clinton all advocate the surrender of absolute U. S. sovereignty under an international government; and all three believe the global warming theory, which is merely the latest in a long series of fraudulent emergencies to frighten Americans into accepting international governance. (Granted, the danger of nuclear war was not fraudulent; but death is preferable to slavery. All the other “emergencies” have been frauds.)Issues like this cannot be resolved by any kind of unity or accomodation between the opposing sides. Obama must realize that he is wrong on this point, as he admits that Reverend Wright is wrong about his criticism of America.

I think the racial issue has always been overblown, stirred up by White liberals to incite political passion. My great-grandfather owned slaves. The descendant of one of those slaves worked as our maid during the 1950’s, and was like a second mother to me. Later, when I attended the U. S. Naval Academy, 1964-68, there were Black midshipmen. Neither they nor I gave race a thought. During the 1970’s I spent several years traveling around the country visiting Christian Churches. I was often invited to visit Black Churches. Neither they nor I gave race a thought.

During the 1950’s-60’s, my Mother was the county librarian. She worked as hard to build the Black library as the White one. Clarence Thomas, Colin Powell, and Condoleeza Rice were all educated in the South under segregation. Race has never been that big a deal. Decent Americans have always worked together under whatever system existed. That comity was destroyed by the incendiary rhetoric of the White liberal revolution.

Even in Black schools under segregation. children learned to read. Today White people as well as Blacks receive Batchelor’s Degrees and even advanced degrees without ever becoming functionally literate. It is impossible to conduct the business of the nation under this atmosphere, and there can be no reconciliation between the sides. The liberal philosophy is simply wrong at its very root. I very seriously doubt that Barack Obama has ever received the true gospel of Jesus Christ. If he will realize that the Bible is the Word of God, literally and historically true, and work out the rest of his philosophy on that basis, he will eventually perceive the errors in the liberal worldview.

Reverend Wright says the Bible is about the Black race. It is true that Black Christians have as much claim to the biblical legacy as anyone, but the Bible is about the Jews. We are saved by the sacrifice of a particular man, a Jew who lived and died during the first century, a man who was also the Son of God. The Jesus who died for our sins was not a Black man. Anyone who teaches that He was a Black man is lost in his sins unto this very day.

Liberals do have some things to teach conservatives about compassion, but they cannot teach anything until they renounce their fundamental philosophical error. Their philosophy is centered on man rather than God.

By Leeza

March 18, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

I am a republican. I am also an African American Woman. So why am I a Republican? Because I want change. Change only happens from the inside. If we run everytime we don’t agree with how things are being done then nothing will ever change, we’ll just fall down from running. That is why Obama is running for President. That is why he didn’t run from his church. Change must happen from within. Become part of the solution, don’t run from the problem

By Eric

March 18, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Sam……Are you on his campaigns payroll? You sound as if Barack is the best thing since slice bread. Once all his skeletons come out he’ll be just another politician.

By aristotle

March 18, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Barack is a socialist. Barack promises everything to everybody. Barack has no hate in his heart for caucasions and wants us all to “come together”. Beware people. Read his first book. How can anyone that does go to worship at a church that preaches hate want to “bring people together”? Charisma is not substance.

By Marc

March 18, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

READ THE SPEECH BEFORE YOU COMMENT!

For those of you who think the speech was just about his preacher or feeling sorry for African Americans, I honestly feel embarrassed for you. It’s evident that you are the type of person who gets their opinion from Hannity, Dobbs, CNN, or FoxNews and that is just pathetic.

By Markie

March 18, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

A co-worker told me I was a racist because I was not voting for Obama. The color of his skin has no bearing on the fact I don’t care for him. He does not have the experience needed to run this country. But if you don’t vote for him, you are going to be deemed a racist in this country.

By Blogger

March 18, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

I’m white and it is interesting that Obama is referred to as black considering he is just as much white. If you really give that any thought, it speaks volumes…

By Tigers03

March 18, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

“To all you Obama doubters. All I can say is. THE TRUTH HURTS, DOESN’T IT!

We need to stop pretending their is no racial tension in America. It is alive in the worst possible way. America has been pretending for the last 200 years. Lets wake up, come together and look beyond our color once and for all.

Obama put it like it is.

Yes we can!

Obama’ 08… “

To you maybe, but not to 99 out of 100 white people I know think there is racial tension in America.

By Jojo

March 18, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I feel bad for him because he’ll always be held to a higher standard and have to prove himself more so than any previous Presidential candidate simply because he’s a person of color. Anytime he stumbles the rabid pack will be on him to kick him the rest of the way down.

By G

March 18, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

The only person that has the nerve to say what needs to be said is Mr Cosby…and he was condemned by the black community. Yound black men commit a disproportionate amount of the violent crime, clog our prisons, and something like 75% of african american children are born out of wedlock to women that are never married and think having a child with no husband is something to aspire to. No one(ministers, jessie jackson, al sharpton, etc) in the black community will spead about this…it’s easier to speak about racism, and blame someone else. Obama speach wasn’t brave…it was political pandering at it’s best. This man stands for nothing. If he were white he wouldn’t even be a viable canidate. All the people on here saying the media is out to get him…give me a break. Up until now he hasn’t gotten a complete and utter free pass from everyone. If he wants to be the next president then he needs to be prepared for scrutiny by the press. The press have really coddled him (not wanting to be called racist)and now that there are things coming out the African American community is predictably yelling “racism”. Well you can’t have it both ways. BTW, this is the worst group of canidates I can ever remember. NONE of them would make a good president. I fear for our future.

By MV7

March 18, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Your comment will appear after it has been approved by the AJC.

Now where is the free speach in that?

Stick a fork in Obama bin… hes done.

By Sammy

March 18, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

CNN is reporting that John McCain has said that Klan leader David Duke has been his spiritual advisor and mentor for 20 years. Whenever McCain is in Louisiana he attends Duke’s “church”, where Duke regularly gives rousing speeches against blacks.

McCain is reported as saying that although David Duke is his personal friend, mentor, and spiritual leader, he disagrees with many of his statements. He will continue attending Duke’s “church” because they do many good things in the white community.

That should be the end of the story, right???

By say what?

March 18, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

I have been a member of a church where the preacher got up every Sunday and started his time with a dumb Blonde joke or a dumb group of religious leaders joke, be they a rabbi, a baptist preacher,but never a preacher from our affiliate. Does that mean that if groups that were the butt of his jokes interview me if I choose to run for public office, then I am responsible even though I don’t agree with everything he has said?

If you look at or hear the entire 30 minute speech, you would understand more than what the MEDIA(liberal or conservative) wants you to hear. I understood what he said and the fact is America has not and still is not kind to ALL members of its society.

Obama gave enough information to clarify his position, and to challenge the rest of us to question what we hear and see according to the multi-billion dollar media corporations. If you still don’t understand that the race system was created by one group of persons to disenfranchise others, visit a country that does not categorize its citizens by the amount of melatonin in a person’s skin. The racial system of America needs to be done away with, and Obama has pointed us in the right direction.

By Nana

March 18, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Tiff…..you are the IDIOT and scary too.

By Hmmmm

March 18, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Let’s see… Obama says he “profoundly” disagrees with Rev. Wright’s views, but put him on his campaign advisory committee. Give me a break. How many of you attend churches where you profoundly disagree with the pastor, rabbi, priest ? Obama has been “smoked out” for his real views, now he wants to do a public revision. If he survives the Democratic primaries and wins the nomination, get ready for lots of Rev. Wright’s sound bites. The Republicans are going to be “riding dirty” with him for months. However, I don’t think he’ll come out of Denver with the nomination after being exposed for what he really is…..another “white guilt” entitlement broker.

By KWH

March 18, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Here is the underlying issue: (at least for me.) America still isn’t ready to have a serious dialogue about race relations, and its impact on our society as a whole. Sen. John Edwards stated during the previous election (‘04) that we live in 2 Americas. Depending on whose lenses you’re looking through, those 2 Americas are not just the “haves” versus the “have-nots”, for a lot of us, those two America’s fall on the color-line. What’s sad about this whole ordeal is, Rev. Wrights comments, (tidbits) are being taken truly out of context, and we’re trying to hold Sen. Barack Obama accountable. If this is the case, then let’s hold every descendant of the people involved in the cover-up accountable in Orangeburg, S.C., for the massacre that took place there at So. Carolina State University; let’s hold every descendant accountable for the devastation and destruction of “Black Wall Street”, in Tulsa, Oklahoma that happened several years ago; let’s hold every descendent of the doctors accountable for the Tuskegee Experiment, that took place literally giving black men syphillis, then giving some medicines to cure it and others a placebo; let’s hold every descendant of the KKK accountable who participated in the bombings, cross burnings and lynch mobs where several innocent blacks were lynched for the most stupidest gestures; let’s hold every descendant of each Senator, Congress-person, Vice- and our President accountable for this war that our current administration has us in, and we have yet to find any weapons of mass destruction, and it appears that this whole notion for going to war was based on some serious untruths. Is any of this logical?
Yes, I’ve heard Pastor Wright speak several times myself, and yes, he will “go there”, if you will. However, one must listen to his complete sermons to fully appreciate where he’s coming from and not sound bites, or tidbits. One must also understand and make an attempt to appreciate the uniqueness of our African-American culture and at least acknowlege the different experiences we, undoubtedly, have here in America. One must attempt to see things through our lenses, which has a different hue than those of the majority, and not b******* them.
If we are ever going to have a serious dialogue and really attempt to allow all people equal access, and continue to strive towards a “kinder, gentler nation”, that our former President Bush talked about, what better time than now, regardless of who’s President, or is this all rhetorical too!

By steve

March 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Its just not enough. He needs to completely repudiate this man and swear that he will never have anything to do with him again. If we elect this man President, Americans are going to seriously regret it.

By alan from Atlanta GA.

March 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Racism is still racism by whomever speaks it. Did Obama believe that people were not going to find out he was attending a church led by a black racist minister. How long did he think he could hide the fact from the American public. to also honor Farrekhan and obama not to condemn it is also a disgrace. Isn’t it about time people wake up to the fact we don’t know the real Barack Hussain Obama.

By Justin

March 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Obama is in trouble (period) with American voters. His speech today demonstrated that he is less than truthful and completely the type of politician he deplores. When the controversy first erupted he was on the airwaves denying that he ever heard Wright’s Anti-american and racists comments. Now, we know in private conversations with Wright he was well aware of Wright’s politics and never denounced them before the video’s were released. And now today he finally acknowledged he had heard some of the “controversial” remarks while sitting in the pews of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago; Yet, Obama remains the golden child in the media’s eyes. Stick a fork in him, he’s done!

By Charles

March 18, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

What’s the matter AJC? Are you afraid of the truth?

I don’t know what Barack Obama will be addressing tonight. It shouldn’t be about race or racism because there is no race problem in our country. The problem between the races is born out of a mammoth imbalance of institutional power.

Let’s have some straight talk here my friends. When powerful white people accepted the challenge of servicing the basic needs of black people by using their institutions to feed, clothe, shelter, employ, and educate, etc., black people, by virtue of this peculiar arrangement, black people automatically became subservient to white people. Black people decided to forfeit their right to build institutional power capable of adequately servicing the basic needs of their lowly masses and hopefully others.

Just think for one second, by virtue of the peculiar arrangement mentioned earlier, black people should worship the ground white people stand upon. Where are black people going to get food if white institutions don’t provide it? Where will black people acquire their clothing, I pray you tell? Where will black people find shelter if not provided by white institutions? Where would black people find employment without the assistance of white institutional power? Unfortunately, black people as a group decided to forfeit their sacred right of self-sufficiency and human decency which is derived through institutional power.

Any honest, conscious, educated, or intelligent person can deduce with little difficulty that the problem between white and black people is not one of race, but it’s the lack of black institutional power.

By jodi

March 18, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Yes we can - Obama 08!!!!

By Two sided Coin

March 18, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

When Senator Obama’s preacher thundered about racism and injustice Obama suffered smear-by-association. But when my late father — Religious Right leader Francis Schaeffer — denounced America and even called for the violent overthrow of the US government, he was invited to lunch with presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush, Sr.

By gtfan

March 18, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

we created aids… U.S.KKK.A G D America etc..

…these aren’t light things you can just excuse. If a repub or even Hillary was a member of a church with the opposite views it would be the end of their political career!

By rb

March 18, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Some of you people just don’t get it. It makes me sick that you are able to vote.

By Kevin

March 18, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

The speech was great, but that doesn’t surprise me because Barack is an incredible orator.

Having said that, I have to say that I now have deeper concerns about voting for him. The hatred and vitriol that flowed from the so-called man of God sickened me. And Barack followed this man for 20 years? You have to be either incredibly stupid or incredibly naive to think that Barack’s thought process hasn’t been shaped by this sad excuse for a clergy man.

Barack talks a nice game. I’m not convinced that he doesn’t share similar racist views.

By Q

March 18, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I am an African American female, and as much as it pains me to say it…America is not ready to deal with it’s inherant issue of race. And, this blog makes it so evident. It is such a sad day…and a shame to, because it comes on the heals of one of greatest speeches I’ve ever heard with my own 34 year old ears.

I am a steadfast Barack supporter. And his speech brought me to tears. He spoke nothing but truths…..anyone with truly opened eyes can see that.

But you know something, these blogs have opened my eyes to the reality that America is just not ready. We still have a few more years of waddling in the pigsty that we call racism. It’s because of those who are a part of the generations before me (again I a 34 years old) who are not far enough removed from the turbulent Civil Rights Era. They went through the majority of their entire schooling segregated. And was basically forced to grit their teeth and smile at each other. Unfortunately, change is still just a word and not a belief.

Hopefully, in my lifetime I will see an African-American president…I hope some day I will see Barack Obama as President. In my heart I feel that 2008 is not the year because America is just not ready….too many hillbillies!

A Sad Day in America!!!!!

One thing no one can take away from Sen Obama is that he is the fact that he’s a class act. He will go down with the utmost dignity…head held high speaking what he beleives and living it!

Oh, and I NOT vote for HRC if she gets the nomination…but I WILL vote!!!!

Good Evening! Q

By factoid

March 18, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Fact: That is the point, he speaks volumes and says a lot, but where is the plan, how is he going to keep those inflated unrealistic promises…it is just unfounded rhetoric with no plans for implementation.

By Kiki

March 18, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I am convinced that the older generation of Americans is so set in their ways, that their racist views will never be changed, no matter the speech or the speaker. I experienced this first hand this weekend when an older relative of mine spoke numerous racial slurs toward Obama, and then said to me, I don’t think America is ready for a black President, or even a woman President (this was coming from a 75 yr. old white woman). You know, maybe older Americans are not ready for this epic change, but I am ready!!! I am 26 years old, and I can think of nothing more inspiring, nothing more uplifting, and nothing more liberating than to have Barack Obama as MY President! I am a young white female raised in small-town MS, and I AM SICK of the same old, white, male cronies occupying the Oval Office. We, the younger generation of Americans are ready for this change! If you really listened to Obama’s speech today, then you heard the most stark and honest account of race relations in America undoubtedly since the Civil Rights era. No one has dared to speak the truths that Obama unearthed today. There is something special about this man, something different than what the other candidates are offering. I hope, yes, hope, that our great country will have the opportunity to learn from him. And now I understand what he meant by “The Audacity of Hope.”

By Dwayne

March 18, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

I’m a 45 year old black male and I’m absolutely insulted by Obama and his church! I have both white and black friends, but I absolutely don’t agree with Obama on this race issue and what his church preaches. Bill Cosby is correct on how we black americans act and not respect each other. Obama and his wife are obviously racist and it kills me to say that he definitely shouldn’t be president. A black president who is a racist is the last thing us blacks need to see happen to the country. His speech was nothing more than a smoke screen to his real believes toward white america. He’s lying and he isn’t anywhere close to being the president. To say he never heard of any of those speechs by his 20 yr long minister is just BS! Come on Obama gives us a little credit. I’m also sicken’d to read these comments from the obvious black male/female stating Obama ‘08, please wake up and see you’re not going to get a reporation check from the government and gas isn’t going to go down once he becomes president. All whites are not rich and blacks are not the only poor people in this country. I was going to vote for Obama, but this is just too much to handle and its very sad that he has such believes. No to Obama and I really hope every one else does the same. McCain is the one. His church should also be burned to the ground, if it continues to preach hatred toward whites, jews and whomever else it is going after. We as black people need to wake up and see that the white man isn’t the enemey its ourselves, we make are own destiny.

By FarLeftLoons

March 18, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

A black man’s racism always comes out eventually. That’s why he can’t be President. He’ll always be a “Black President” (concentrating on black people) rather than the American President.

By Saddened

March 18, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

I am a democrat that is going to vote Republican for the first time since George H. Bush’s first election. I could never vote for a man that uses Rev. Wright as a spiritual leader.

We are to put God first, then our country. Not our country then God. If we put God first and truly follow the life of Jesus, then the other problems in society would go away. Think of all the societal issues that are not Christain based: crime, pre-marital sex, abortion, war, healthcare limitations, etc.

Obama may be a good man and I am encouraged by his desire for change. But, I could never vote for someone that allows such a person as Rev. Wright to be his Pastor. A Pastor is to help you on the spirital journey. They speak to your heart and provide education and guidance with Christain principles. With this in mind, Obama is more tolerant for Hatred than acceptable for a leader.

By Diane

March 18, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

I was fooled also, and voted Obama in the primary. Not NOW. I am a God fearing Christian and would never want anyone that has spent 20 years in a church that damns America. God Bless America.

By trena

March 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Why does he have to address the issue? What about freedom of speech. The RETIRED minister has a right to speak. I agree to some of the things he said (if that is in fact what he said). How many political officials have assoiciated with someone or something that the public might not like that we don’t know about? Why is Obama under scrutiny?

By FarLeftLoons

March 18, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Melissa, you’re an idiot. It doesn’t matter if a bunch of other idiots BELIEVE what he said, since it’s not true. Obama just lost the Presidency as long as people are paying attention to what his SPIRITUAL ADVISOR (and a guy who’s side he won’t leave) just said.

By KB

March 18, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

As a white pastor in a predominantly white church who has to deal with racism issues towards blacks and hispanics in my own congregation,often on a weekly basis,it was wonderful to hear what I heard today from Sen. Obama in his speech. The Senator’s words rang as a breath of fresh air in what has been, until today, an otherwise stale debate over fluff instead of substance. Sen. Obama has had the votes of myself and my family for sometime now and we are more certain than ever that it is his judgment, inclusivity and talents that are needed by this country at this time. America is bleeding and hurting these days, our young men are dying needlessly on foreign shores, people are dying in the deserts of our land, and many more our losing their homes to corporate greed. Senator Obama has the tools, hope, desire and ability to bridge the many gaps that divide us in this country. Unfortunately, like any wound that is bleeding, the wounds of our nation are painful to hear, painful to feel and sometimes even more painful to clean and bandage. But clean them we must and bandage them we must.We must bandage them properly so the healing process can begin. Healing that maybe, just maybe, can help America stand strong and proud once more on the world stage; as people realize that we do stand by the values and ideas we far too often pay only minor lip service to by our deeds. Senator Obama deserves to have the accolades of all of us who know that there can be more than one greatest generation driving what is best about America. Senator Obama, to you I say thank you. You have shown today that you, by your words, your actions and by what you stand for and believe, hold this nation in the highest of regard and you do so with honesty,integrity and love for your fellow brothers and sisters; something that your colleagues all too often fail to measure up to as well as you have. Everyone should be glad that Senator Barack Obama today named the 800-pound gorilla that stands in the living room of our nation and that he alone has the answers to the problems that face us and future generations. These ar the problems that our failure to address will cause untold damage to all that our forebears fought so hard to maintain and leave to us as our legacy. We owe it to our grandchildren to leave them a better legacy than the one we inherited. It’s time to put this issue behind us, rollup our sleeves and get busy doing what we know has to be done. Thank you, Senator.

By thogwummpy

March 18, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Look, it comes down to this: How does a former president of the Harvard Law Review, sit thru 20 years of sermons, and doesn’t know what’s being said? Sorry, not buying! People only join churches that align with one’s beliefs. Hey, if you keep goin’ to Klan meetings; you might be a racist. Moreover, this speaks to Obama’s poor judgement. If he has someone of Wright’s character that Obama KNOWS advocates [let’s quote Barak] “a profoundly distorted view of our county”—-what kind of whack jobs will he appoint to cabinet positions or (God forbid!) the Supreme Court…Ward Churchill?!?!? Likewise, if Obama is as danged “brilliant” as his backers claim, why couldn’t he see this political landmine years early; and easily avoid it by quitting Trinity? UNLESS…he agrees with his pastor. Hey, you lay down with dogs, you wake up with fleas…and if we’re buying this dude to run our country; we have a right to examine his coat very, very closely now. Which is what his campaign has hoped would never happen; ‘cause there’s other questionable stuff he needs to explain. Seeds of doubt, sure to sprout.

By Ken Strickland

March 18, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

It’s truely amazing how some of you can categorize Obama as a ticking time bomb, but support Bush and McCain. Bush lied to congress and the world in order to con this country into a war with Iraq. It has been document that he told more than 230 lies about Iraq’s involvement in terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. His lies and greed has caused the deaths of thousands of American’s with more dying everyday. And McClain intends to continue that carnage of American lives. Our economy is going to pot, with hundreds of thousands of Americans losing their homes and jobs. McCain admits we need to fix the economy, but has offered no solution. How can anyone but an absolute idiot expect McCain, or anyone else, to remedy our economic woes while continuing the policies that’s caused those woes, the war in Iraq? Yet, you pretend to be concerned about Obama. You need to come out of the closet, and face up to you real problem.

I WANT SOMEONE TO TELL ME WHY NO ONE IS REQUIRING MCCAIN AND/OR BUSH TO DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM ORAL ROBERTS, PAT ROBINSON, JIM BAKER, NEWT GINGRICH, JERRY FARWELL AND THE OTHER MORAL MAJORITY HEIRACHY? THESE IMMORAL MAJORITY CLOWNS COMMITTED ACTUAL TRANSGRESSIONS AND ARE GUILTY BY ACTUAL DEEDS, NOT ASSOCIATION. GIVING THEM, AND THOSE THAT CONTINUE TO EMBRACE THEM, A PASS IS THE RACISM THAT PREVADES THE POLITICS OF AMERICA. THIS IS THE KIND OF RACISM, AND DOUBLE STANDARD, REV WRIGHT IS ADDRESSING, AND IT IS ALIVE A WELL.

By Dan

March 18, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Obama is not the answer to anything. I sadly read through these comments and am very upset to see how blind many of us are. This man talks about change, but has no ideas on what that entails. He is dear friends with (he says family) a pastor who very angrilly curses America as a country, and the successful within America. One of the greatest glories of our country is that America provides a chance for everybody. If you are willing to work for something, you can have the world! I don’t care if you were brought up in a mansion or on the streets of the inner city - if you set your heart and mind to any goal, it can be achieved. After all, that is the American Dream - to actually pursue happiness! Obama and many that will vote for him (Democrat fools) feel that everybody deserves the same outcome, that everyone deserves success and respect and money. Well, everyone does deserve the same success and respect, but they have to earn it. Everyone does not deserve the same outcome in life, but they do deserve the same chances. Our lives are what we make of them. I don’t want to hear anything about the sadness of growing up poor, so you have no chance. Even the poor have schools. Even the poor have hearts and minds - God gave us this. God gave us free will to do with those hearts and minds what we will. For those of us in America that choose to make a Man (Woman) of themselves and EARN their way in this world…America gives us those chances. For those of us who don’t want to work for anything and expect a free ride or expect to be provided for…America may not be your place. France would love you though!

STOP complaining…stop blaming race and racism. This is the greatest country in the world. STOP complaining, stop blaming and get off you tail and EARN your respect. EARN your way in this world. Someone on this blog posted that they were upset that jobs went to people in this country that aren’t even citizens while he “sits at home”. Give me a break! This is the problem. Get off your tail, don’t sit at home, GO OUT AND MAKE SOMETHING OF YOURSELF! Young children in poverty - LISTEN TO ME! Go out and go to school, go home and do your homework. You don’t have to blame others or follow bad examples of the bums around you. MAKE SOMETHING OF YOURSELF! If you wait on someone else to make something of you, you are a fool and wasting your time. If you think a government ruled by fools will come along saying they understand your situation, you are fools. Government can not help you to make yourself. That is your job. Put your life in God’s hands, put your head in a book, tell your bum dad that he is doing it wrong and go make yourself better. America gives you a chance - but that is all you should expect is a chance.

We are promised rights: the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. PURSUIT is the key word there. If you think that you have just a plain right to happiness - you will always be very wrong. PURSUIT is something that needs to be paid attention to and something that needs to be heeded by our whole country. It is nobody’s job to pursue happiness but your own.

Obama may at heart be a good person, but he tolerates evil and hatred by letting his paster speak of it. America is not bad - but some of its people are. This man spreads hatetred, AND WORSE HE SPREADS BLAME. He needs to talk about responsability. Obama has lied about not being aware of what Dr. Wright preaches, he lies that he wants change. He doesn’t even know what change would be. This is a man that has some other plans and I am affraid to have a proponent of hate and blame in the White House. Do yourselves a favor. After you get up and go get a job, vote for a Republican that can keep you safe at home and give you the potential to take this new-found job, climb the ladder at work and make something of yourself.

God BLESS America!

By Tanya

March 18, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

I think it is incredible that people wonder why Obama stayed at his church for 20 years despite some of the statements made by his pastor. I have been a member of the same church for 12 years, and there have been times that my pastor has made statements that I do not agree with, but I have not left my church. From what I hear, Pastor Wright has done many other good works and given many other inspiring sermons over his 30 years as a pastor. Black people in Pastor Wright’s age group think differently from younger African-Americans. Pastor Wright has the mindset of his generation. Nonetheless, many of the things that this pastor said had value. Unfortunately, the few statements and sermons that Pastor Wright made that are divisive are all that we see, and the media seems to impute those statements and sentiments by Pastor Wright to Obama, wrongly so. I would not want anyone to impute everything that my pastor has said to me because I do not personally agree with every single statement or every single sentiment from my pastor, but I remain at that church because of all of the other aspects that I love, what my pastor has taught me spiritually, and what our church does for the community and the conservative values that are taught. Obama’s speech was courageous, thought-provoking, and inspiring. Yes, we can move beyond the racial boundaries, bitterness and divisiveness that have been around in this country for far too long. Yes, WE can.

By william

March 18, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

The focus should be on coming together as a country and moving away from the divided america we once used to be.

By Lisa

March 18, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

He is GOOD! Good at giving speeches. And of course everything sounded good, but if I wanted a lesson in the history of the U.S. I would go to school or read a book! All he did was JUSTIFIED their behavior, and anger. But if that’s what it is, then everyone should justify their bad behavior, their lying, cheating, stealing, killing, and all the ills of the world on their “suffering”, we all have at one time or another been there, Jews, Irish, Italians, Mexicans (they can justify being in this country iligally by justifying that most of the south was taken from Mexico) and so on, right is right, wrong is wrong, a person with principles will know when something is wrong, regardless of their ethnicity or race, especially if he calls himself a Christian. To have your opinion is one of our greatest freedoms in this country, but with that you have the responsibility to respect this country, and stop JUSTIFYING hate and divisiness, and demanding to be respected for your opinions just because of your history.

By Ralph

March 18, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

As long as certain race, keeps bring up the past, including slavery, and keep blame every race in this world, especially whites, there will never be a complete utopia, as Obama claims he like to see. As long as people such as Rev. Wright, who is support to be a Christian, and godly man priests hate and damnation, there will never be a shelter where everyone of every race can share. Mr Obama is one slick talk, and he can talk himself out of any negative situation. He Rev. Wright, and Hilary when to his church, you would have had Jesse and Al ready to march on Washington. He can talk up a storm, and make you believe he can walk on water after he finishes, as a matter of fact he so good at making speeches, you would think he’s the second coming. The truth is he’s not Kennedy, and he such isn’t Jesus. So far, I have listen to his speeches very carefully and to be honest, he worries me and what he stands for. Race will always be in the forefront in this country, we can’t close out eyes and make every equal, it will never be equal no matter how many generation come and go. There will always be poor and rich, privilege people, there will always be resentments between all races. The day the people begin to aspect the obvious, that we are all different, human beings, but different form, shape and color. There will never be a complete accepts by all. Mr. Obama, talking in practical terms, is both black and white, why do black claim he’s black? is it because he is a success. It sad that in this country, the only race that should matter is the race to the white house.

By gman

March 18, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Obama has been going to this church for twenty years after the election is over he will go another twenty.

By Bill

March 18, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

I didn’t hear any of this “forgiveness” from the black community about Don Imus, and what he said, while hurtful, was nowhere near what this “man of God” said. By not distancing himself from the “pastor”, Obama just lost white America. Hillary wins the nomination, period.

By #9

March 18, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

The speech was wonderful—The truth sometimes makes one angry Obama spoke the truth—I disagree with some of the things my Pastor says—I have been with him for 30 years—He is not running for President- but he is a man of God-

By WIN

March 18, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

WHAT DOES HILLARY PASTOR HAVE TO SAY? DO SHE HAVE A PASTOR?

By GaNative

March 18, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Nobody is more racist than white folks. If white folks had not infected blacks with syphllis in Tuskeegee, then maybe Rev. Wright wouldn’t have a leg to stand on with his AIDs Theory. Whites show racism all the time but they try to disguise it. On jobs they hire these Indians and put them over blacks, but I have yet to be on a job where an Indian is over a white person. If I was Obama, I’d tell all of you to kiss my azz.

By GaNative

March 18, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Now this is the kinda White KKK America that Rev Wright was referring to. Just look at your comments on here. White folks will be white folks. They’ve never gave a shid about blacks and never will. We as blacks has endured the racist whites in politics such as George Wallace, David Duke, and a shid load of others. So, if in fact OBAMA is a racist, which he’s not, then MAYBE THE CHICKEN HAS COME HOME TO ROOST.

By ndc

March 18, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

This is so sad. But if you Billary supporters think that if Billary wins the nomination will win the White House! They will not be the next President! Get ready everyone for President McCain!

By Susan

March 18, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

I listened to Obama’s speech today and I think it is one of the best speeches I have heard in my adult life - a call to rise above our racism and hatred of fellow Americans different than we are - a call to understand where another may be coming from rather than relying on two minute sound bites and sensationalism by the media. His speech has earned a place in history and regardless of the election outcome, my grandchildren and their children will be reading about it in their history books. It remains to be seen whether Americans can call forth the best within them rather than the worst - whether we can move forward to solve the great problems of our day together or whether we will continue to be mired in the politics of hatred and distrust. I fear that if we choose the latter path, America’s greatest days are behind us. Let us choose the better path as we move forward into the 21st century!

By hot dog

March 18, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

To Embarrassed and the rest of you Mr. Obama haters.

Do you hate Billy Graham? How did you feel when he admitted that he said hateful things about the Jewish People in America? People still follow him because they were smart enough to know and understand it was his opinion and not theirs!

Stop being Morons and Idiots! Don’t vote for him if you feel that way.

Just remember the next time when you support Billy Graham, remember his statement and how he disliked the Jewish People!

Obama 08’

By km

March 18, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

I love this guy. He’s a leader. He’s candid and tells things with an effort to be truthful. It makes you uncomfortable to face hard issues, but in order for this country to grow, we have to face tough issues. We need to fix Social Security. I think he’s the man to start the discussion.

He’s forgiven his pastor - which is the christian thing to do, by the way.

His opponent would NEVER make a speech that required this much courage. She’s a straddler. She’s a divider. She’s no leader

By GA

March 18, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Beautiful, beautiful, speech…

By hot dog

March 18, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Hey PeterWashington and Greg,

How do you feel about Billy Graham being ANTI-SEMITIC?

Stop the HYPOCRISY! You are nothing but HYPOCRITES so please do yourself a favor…Before you open your mouth to speak, stop telling lies and be honest about what you really are…STUPID PEOPLE that are clueless about LIFE and the PEOPLE of this world!

Obama 08’

By Roderick

March 18, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Racist? What’s racist? Suggesting that for most of our history this was a nation ruled by White Supremists? Its a fact?

Did the government give black men syphillis and not treat them as part of the Tuskeegee experiment? Of course!

Did the government attempt to “neutralize” black leaders who would dare speak out against oppression? Yes it did!

Did the government flood black communities with drugs in order to fund the Contras? Indeed it did!

Did slavery actually happen? YES!

Did Jim Crow set us on a path that would create the disparities that we see today? Of Course!

Are there still hatemongers out there who would lynch and kill black people because of the color of their skin? Absolutely!

Did America support a racist regime in South Africa because we wanted the minerals that the country provided? YUP

Did America Drop atomic bombs on Japan because American lives are more valuable than Asian lives? Indeed!

Did America support the brutal regime of Sadam Hussein and provide him with Weapons of Mass Destruction! Uh huh!

Did America sanction and participate in the Assassination of Salvadore Allende in Chile? YES!

Did America support murderous thugs like Mobuto in Zaire, Pahlavi in Iran, Marcos in the Philipines and those Blood thristy Contras?! Yes it did

By TW

March 18, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

If we’re going to make this thing about race, don’t we have to look at the fact that no group in history has bent this country over quite like the white men in the White House right now?

Obama’s pastor hurt your feelings? Oh, so sorry.

George W. Bush has treated our soldiers like they were the little green plastic ones that come in bags of fifty at the toy store.

Love it or leave it? How about Fix it.

Pull your head out, America.

By NoWay

March 18, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Is it ok for black people to be full of simmering racist hatred? What makes it ok to suggest that God condemn the nation I live in. I don’t think it’s ok for white people to feel that way. Should the fact of simmering racist hatred change how I see every job applicant? How about the people I work with? Neighbors? What about the truthfulness and responsibility of Rev. Wright’s comments? His comments are not just incendiary rhetoric, they are lies made up to control people.

By lea

March 18, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

“In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve”.

That statement is still so true. I think this is a critical time for our country. Do we hold onto the old fears and resentments around race? Or are we ready to let those deep-seated things go by the wayside, and focus on moving ahead? How long can we rant and rage about the murder of Emmett Till and the Ku Klux Klan? How angry will we continue to be about busing and affirmative action?

Each of us has to make a conscious decision to stay in the past OR to move forward and focus on the things that MATTER.. like fixing our health care system, msking the right moves to minimize the recession… getting out of a trillion-dollar war that we will NEVER win… making sure our kids get a good education.. fixing the immigration problems.

I think Barack Obama understands both sides. He IS both sides, and I believe he can bring this country together. He didn’t condone what Rev Wright said… in fact, he condemned the hate and anger. Read the transcript of his speech, and make an informed, objective decision WITHOUT the hate, anger and preconceived notions.

I’m ready to move forward. Are you? We can’t afford another 8 years of a Republican administration or the kind of Supreme Court a republican administration would put in place. If that happens, we will become a third-world country where the middle-class is so weak as to be almost non-existent. Lou Dobbs is on the exact right point.

I’ve traveled all over this world. There is no place better than the United States. Our strength is second to none.

The only thing we have to fear is OURSELVES. Let’s focus on the right things so we can get the government we deserve.

By Charles

March 18, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Obama made (as usual) a nice speech that encourages his supporters. But, unfortunately for him, anyone who is being objective in their voting decision knows the damage is done. Once he decided to stay in a racist church nothing else he could say or do will clean the slate.

By ghostwriter

March 18, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

People need to stop being so sensitive. Pastor Wright, just like my father, can’t get past some of the pain in his life. Barack, like many of us of a later generation, can’t disown our parents or live in their past. I don’t see candidates claiming to be the torch bearers of Ronald Reagan denouncing his past affinity for weeping over Nazi grave sites. I don’t see admirers of Strom Thurman appologizing for him even though he never publicly admitted his rape of his family housekeeper.

By DH

March 18, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

The fact that he threw his grandmother under the bus in order to make a point is proof he is no better than any other politician. He had folks fooled for a while, but he’s now revealed his true color - pun intended.

By Michael

March 18, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Why does Obama get chided for being a member of this church yet nobody keeps dogging Catholics in office? Just because someone is Catholic, does that mean they molest children or believe everything that the Pope says? Let’s not forget that George W. Bush spoke at Bob Jones University in his 2000 campaign.

We should’ve probably known this race would get really dirty with a black man and a white woman involved. All you potential hispanic candidates better have all your illegal immigrant I’s dotted and T’s crossed if you run for president it seems.

By old timer

March 18, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

OOPS…Due to his very limited political experience, Obama has loaded Hillary’s gun. This mean spirited woman will use his own bullets to destroy any character, or ability to be elected, he has left.

By AT

March 18, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand how Obama could all of a sudden be astonished at his pastor’s statements after being under his leadership for the last 20 years. I think if people weren’t blinded by the fact that he’d be the first black president, he wouldn’t even be in the running. He’s made some pretty ignorant statements, such as taking money from NASA for educaation. This would put tens of thousands of people out of jobs, and halt the presidential directive for a new space vehicle and returning to the moon. Also, how dumb can we Americans be? If Obama sat under a racially motivated pastor for 20 years, was married under him and had his children dedicated there, how can we believe that he hasn’t agreed these last 20 years with him and just now changed his mind since his racial views are now in the public spotlight and in the forefront for his presidential candidacy?

By facing facts

March 18, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Obama and his minister do not exist in a vacuum — if you really want to know how Obama feels, try researching what venom and tripe comes out of his wife’s mouth! To hear her tell it, America is not serving black people well if they can’t all attend an Ivy League school! Last time I checked, most people don’t attend prestigious schools; is there some reason why we should believe that her community possesses such superior intellect that all in it should be so privileged? I also laugh at her ridiculous account of her spartan upbringing by “hourly workers”, and then magically she and her brother are able to graduate Princeton. Please, there are plenty of people who qualify to get in based on true merit that don’t get in because they don’t have the right genetic code. And, any man who could be raised by a white mother and white grandparents while going to all the best schools, and show such blatant disregard for fully half of who he is, can’t be the right person to lead this country. He just can’t.

By Rev. Me

March 18, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

In watching the hate speech of the so-called “Reverend” Wright at his so-called “Church”, I was most disturbed by the hysterical tenor of his audience (I mean “congregation”). It sort of reminds me of those Adolf Hitler rallies. This guy is crazy, and so are his followers.

The bit about Pearl Harbor being a plot of the US government has been around a while. I know some “traditional” Catholics who say the same thing.

BTW, I thought “churches” lost their tax-exempt status when they got so politically oriented. (Not to mention down-right traitorous!).

America has become a insane asylum and the patients have taken over folks!

God Bless America and Those Who Love Her!

By Jay Dean

March 18, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

**I have a question for Sean Hannity, Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’reilly, and the rest who wonder how Obama was able to sit in his church for 20 years tolerating Rev. Wright.

How are CATHOLICS able to continue to attend and sit in a church whose priests have been consistently proven to abuse children for over 50 years, or longer?

SENATOR OBAMA, YOU HAVE EARNED MY VOTE AS A CONSERVATIVE WHITE AMERICAN !! Your courage to elevate this debate in a broad respectful manner shows me your character as a person. I care less about your pastor, or barber’s views !!! **

Jay Alan Dean, Atlanta

By Geminate

March 18, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion and pro partial-birth abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

By Traci W

March 19, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

IF EVERYONE LISTEND to everything our Pastors told us. We would:

EVERYONE filters out what you will and will not do - based on your life.

Some people got to church for the fellowship with other christians, some people go for the message, some people go cause they have a great choir.

Most of the folks who have something to say have not STEPPED foot in a CHURCH in the past year.

I don’t agree with everything the PASTOR says.

He is just as flawed as everyone else. He’s just picked to lead us.

By Traci W

March 19, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

If half of the people that blog here would attend church. The world might be better place.

Try for one second the verse:

JUDGE YE NOT

By kam

March 19, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

i don’t like obama’s liberal politics but he was “on point”. hell i may vote for him.

By lisa

March 19, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

I know my Pstors at different churches have said some of the same words spoken by Pastor Wright, and no I was not at church every time. So it’s not impossible for Sen. Obama to have missed sermons. These types of sermons are not even a part of every Sunday worship. They are reserved for certain times when things are sticky and we need to hear and understan whats going on. And it does get loud, but if it were not for those fiery speeches African-Americans would still be calling whites “Massa” and averting our eyes when asked direct questions. We’d still be running around here with our hard earned college degrees, cleaning houses, shineing shoes, being pullman porters on trains and planes. We HAVE to have those types of sermons in order to hold our heads up lest we forget who we really are. You say it’s racist we don’t see it that way, we see it as confirmation and we know that without those sermons it would be to get Monday morning go to a job that we may not like and put with bosses and supervisers we can’t stand. And in face of that we can still smile and do our jobs, raise our families and have a hope for another day. If it wasn’t for those fiery sermons we would have been at war with white people a long time ago. Getting you all back for all the dirt,humliation, and inhuman suffering you caused us and still to this day continue to cause us. Yes, we do alot of things to ourselves, have a lot of self hate for one another. But at the end of the day we will stand together with you when there is any threat to this nation or its citizens. We will and do take care of you in some this nations storied institutes of healthcare for pennies on the dollar. We do stand by you in the courtrooms, of this nations justice system and defend you as a person who is guilty until proven innocent. While, our brothers and sisters who may have never commited and offense are fined and jailed heavily. We are heads of some of the worlds leading companies, and over look our own with years of experience only to hire a fresh faced white boy or girl just out of college to oversee those same people who look like us have similar backgrounds as us, and perhaps even higher degrees and/or intelligence. Why? To be accepted, and looked at as an equal. Sad but all too true. So, at this point in history, white people are aghast that there is anger,rage and perhaps some hatered being spoken in a house of worship by a African-American pastor. Who has endured far more than I have in my short time here on earth. And has spoken truth to the powers that be, and you all don’t like it because it shines a spot light on a dis-ease that has plagued this country since it’s inception. It is time to speak truth, learn and grow. So that we can be great and prosperous not just for whites or African-Americans, but for all the people who are proud to call themselves Americans.

By Shameful American

March 19, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

I use to be proud to an American. But today it’s almost an disgrace. How can be so narrow-minded? How can so many of you be so hypocritical? It’s amazing how we remain silent until the shoe is on the other foot. Some of you don’t say a word when racism is directed to those of color. Regardless, indirectly or directly when something is been said about the truth that exist in America, concerning the behavior of the treatment of others by some white it’s taken all out of context. As long as it’s the black child, woman or man that’s the target then it’s okay. But when a black man expresses his personal experiences he’s witnessed himself of the treatment of black people by some whites it’s a big deal. Where were you when those blacks were left stranded in New Orleans? What about the Jena Six? Oh I forgot they weren’t white. It doesn’t exist or matter is they aren’t white. It isn’t a big deal until it’s offensive to a white americans. Are whites the only citizens in this country? I think not! Why should you be spared! But that was not what Rev. Wright was saying. He was only speaking the truth. Why does the truth hurts? It hurts only when you are in denial about the truth or fear that you will be exposed. If you oppose racist comments which were not those of Rev. Wright’s. Rev. Wright’s comments were reality only to those who experience those exact things he mentioned. If you took his words to be offensive then maybe to need to look around you and then search deeply within yourself to understand why you are blind to the realities of others. Just because you can not relate to a situation doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Maybe you need to ask you parents for truth because you have been deceived. The color of one’s skin should never be a determining factor on making a mature and responsible decision. Remember don’t get the speck out someone else’s eye until you have remove the speck from you eye. Unless you live in an glass house, what gives you the right to condemn or judge others. If any of you were offended by Rev. Wright’s comments made 5 years ago and you attend church or consider yourselves to be christians you are the very reason a lot of people choose not to attend church, since that is the place where majority of the hypocrites attend on Sunday. Stop playing God. Leave the judging up to him. As for the media, you have nothing else negative to bring up on Sen. Obama. Nothing but something that was said 5 years ago. Why now? Because you feel that America only belong to a certain group of people. Well how did the other group get here? But anyway we are all here and going no where fast under this current administration. You certainly don’t have much more to lose, but the little bit you are struggling to maintain. Like most of us who pull up to the gas pump or go to the grocery store. We are making life decision. Gas or food! If we don’t make a change. Seek someone who is capable of leading us to a better tomorrow, repairing our international relationships,a better education for our children who’s behind in Math and Science, our Troups to receive the necessary benefits upon leaving Irag, a different type of politics other than the same ole politics as usual, heathcare for all the uninsured, and the adacity of hope that we so deperately need. We are all going to be in the soup line or the welfare line. Stop sweating the small stuff. Grow up this world is not about you but about us as a nation. A nation that diverse with people from all around the globe. We all are God children! Besides if black was bad why do whites spend so much time and money trying to tan? Enough already! Peace….Unity…

By the truth

March 19, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

What’s amazing to me is how people are awash in Obama’s rhetoric! It’s talk. What has Obama done to bridge the racial divide in Illinois? Not just attend, but seek the counsel of a pastor who is clearly unbiblical in his approach to tough issues.

If the sheep don’t wake up soon, we’re going to be jolted awake by the jarring fact that Obama is just another slick talking politician who’s interested in power and nothing else. Fancy words and eloquent speeches do not “wow” me. Results do. Please show me some results, Obama!

By AL

March 19, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

Obama DONE !!! Your little short ride is over. Your Chickens have come home to roost. JWright has rode you dirty. The run for the White House has ben injected with HIV and killed the man with NO COLOR. President of the United States of America ???? Whatever !!!

By gail eidson

March 19, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

I think Obama is a fine man with a vision and hope to aspire to. However, I am not certain how many black votes he has won because of his color, esp. after vivid reminder of rhetoric that is so inflammatory and according to Obama is “barber-shop” or “Church talk”. How many of these people are looking at issues other than race? Just curious.

By William

March 19, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

No Obama, no black church that I have ever been to speaks the hate America and hate white people like your pastor of 20 years. This is just an excuse to clear Rev. Wright of his hateful ways by saying that other black pastors are this way.

Obama has bad judgement and is not fit to be president. How can he be the champion of bringing races to gather when just a few weeks ago he and his campaign was race biting with the Clintons.

Its is impossible for Obama to convence people to believe him after he sat in this church for 20 years listening to all these hate filled speeches coming from his pastor. America can’t trust Obama. Its over for Obama.

By Katie

March 19, 2008 5:42 AM | Link to this

Obama’s speech one was of the best speeches ever.

By Excuseme

March 19, 2008 5:54 AM | Link to this

First this is America right? Second did Bush distance himself from his minister? Oh right we don’t remember right? Texas, think about it? HUMMM? Does this change my opinion about Obama, it does because it shows that he is a puppet and I now wonder who is holding the strings? This is America right? Freedom of speech, this is just a republican plot that is working because Obama is about to lose this vote. That minister has a right to say what ever and Obama should not have denounced or defended him, it was not his call! Think before you react and by the way FIRE your PR persons they are an idiot!!! Remember this is America! So my question have you heard the sermons at Hillary or McCain’s churchs? So whos zooming who?

By M2H

March 19, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

Great deliver - great speaker, but somewhat empty. At issue is judgement, if you hear something you don’t agree with you either stand up for what you believe by respectfully speaking out or you walk away. Obama seems to have done neither for almost 20 years which leads me to believe one of 2 things - saw his membership and association to the church as an asset politically or he agreed with the message. A president needs to have the strength of conviction to walk away from a situation that is harmful or dangerous and a president cannot be so politically calculating that he sets aside his core beliefs for popularity. As to someone’s argument about everyone going to a church they didn’t always agree with, well, that’s true, but I believe most people mean issues about a traditional service vs a contemporary or casual vs dressy attire, or baptism by immersion or sprinkling - but over HATE - no, I don’t believe anyone that DISAGREES with the HATE coming from a pastor’s mouth such as Rev. Wright can stay if not motivated by another cause. The Holy Spirit would be prompting you to see how wrong the speech was and you couldn’t stay - unless you didn’t disagree and in your heart you harboured those feelings also, or worse, it hurt you politically if you left the big voter rich church. I don’t see a man in Obama that has the judgement or the core to lead a country through crisis. That trait I see in McCain, a man that has stood up and dissented even when it wasn’t polically expedient. Good speech - empty rhetoric

By lawyerdaggett

March 19, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

Wow! Did the man hit a nerve or what? I think better of him for it. Very brave.

By Jay 30308

March 19, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

I saw the Obama speech on yesterday and it was quite inciteful. Now I do not want to be defined by my minister and I know that he is not defined by his minister either. Lastly, African-Americans cannot be racist in a culture that is run by white people. There is no way that it is at all possible. These people are digging up things to thwart the attention from the real issues at hand, e.g. the economy, the war, etc. Nothing against Hilary, but she we will never understand what is like to be African American at all. People get real and focus on the real issues at hand.

Obama 08

By Scooter

March 19, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Obama certainly said some things that all races need to embrace, however; his vague solutions were nothing new. They were simply to infuse more tax money into government programs while ignoring the true inefficiencies of those programs.

It really doesn’t matter to me until I hear him accept the following facts and explain how they fit into his reasoning.

First, I want him to accept that Saddam deceived diplomacy for twelve years and corrupted the very organization charged with enforcing that diplomacy.

So Senator Obama, please explain why you thought diplomacy would’ve worked and why a “contained” man would’ve corrupted the “enforcement” entity?

These are the questions our media leaders should be asking, but their democrat positions are stacked and they are not going to budge until they politically force retreat. Scary thing is that is exactly what OBL says happens to democracies at war.

Will we prove him right or continue distracting Al-Qaeda while illustrating terrorists’ ideology to the region that created them?

By Corey

March 19, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

I’m convinced that organized religion is the work of the devil. Only organized religion can cause people to place their brains on a shelf, blow themselves up, commit uspeakable acts of evil, start wars, cause people to blair out lunacy etc. Organized religion is man’s device. But spirituality needs no creeds, denominations, definitons, doctrines, rituals, nor conscripts. Spirituality does not start wars and punish people who dare think outside the box. The spirituality in each of us will leap out at others regardless of faith, race, sex, sexual orientation national origin, political affiliation. Spirituality is boundless. Read “When Jesus Became God: The Struggle Define Christianity During the Last Days of Rome.” Peace

By Sick of This

March 19, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

People, I beg you to please just admit that you don’t want Obama to be president because he’s a black man. As I said in a previous post, he could do and say all the “American” things that you would approve of if he were white, and he would still not be good enough for you.

What angers me is that some of you act like he said those things himself. If he’d actually said those things that Rev. Wright said, then I would definitely understand your ire. Just be honest with yourselves and the rest of us. Just say that you don’t want to vote for a black man, and stop making pitiful excuses for why you don’t want to vote for him. Your honesty will be greatly appreciated.

By G.Rhone

March 19, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

When whites hang nooses from trees, it’s still considered as a “JOKE” but a black man speak on not being treated equal and cruption in government, he’s a racist and a radical…GET REAL!

By CAS

March 19, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

First of all, for those who say I would never vote for Obama because of his association with Rev Wright and his church were never going to vote for him anyway. Let’s get real!! Secondly, I’m a Hillary supporter so I’m not speaking as an Obama supporter but as an American who has served his country in times of peril. Who’s to say the McCain will keep the country safe. Are we just supporting the Repubnants agenda again..look where 8 years of Bush got us. Gas prices at nearly $4 a gallon..a reception, and the worst Race relations in my lifetime. 4 more years of Repubnant rule, I hope and fear not!!! We as American can do better..and will do better..

By 2Cents

March 19, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Why dont we have a poll? Based on Rev. Wright and Obama’s speech should Obama be president? Yes or No.

Or would the responses be too powerful.

By Jeny

March 19, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

I’m still waiting for Obama and his Rev. to say “sorry” to all the folks they have offended.

I know. I shouldn’t hold my breath. It’ll never happen.

Don Imus was forced to apologize, apologize, apologize and apologise for his one-liner over the air. AND…he STILL lost his job. But not Rev. Wright or Obama.

Guess making racist hate filled comments is OK if you’re black, huh? Who knew? (thinking, thinking)

By Regular guy

March 19, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

The one point I see many people missing here is as Americans, we have the right to worship where we choose, not where we are directed. Having said this, I personally would not worship at any church where the N-word was used or pastor preached G******* America. I’m not saying it’s not his right to worship there, but if you intend on being president, you may have to suffer the consequences.

By Marie

March 19, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

As an African-American who has attended predominantly black churches and schools all my life; I was outraged by Obama’s speech. He loves to paint folks with broad brushes. And his statement that all blacks who grew up in the 50s and 60s are filled with anger and bitterness over the racism they experienced during that time is HOGWASH.

My mom and dad grew up in the 60s, the black teachers I had in elementary and high school came out of the 50s and 60s, and the older church members that attended my church came out the 50s and 60s. And I have never heard anyone of them ever speak in such a deragotory and nasty tones about whites or this country as this nutcase pastor of his. My parents, teachers, and older church members always steered us toward achievement. Yes they recognized that racism existed, but, the message I heard from them was “things are not as bad as they were in my day and that doors of opportunity were being opened for us, and we should take advantage of them.” Which I did.

Pastor Wright’s rhetoric IS NOT because he endured the racism of the 50’s and6 60’s but it is a product of the racist, radical views of James Cone (a so-called Christian who is one of the fathers of the so-called Liberation Theology that Wright embraces) and Elijah Muhammad (founder of the Nation of Islam and yes Jeremiah Wright was a former member).

He tells us that Wright does good things in the community, well no one can argue with the fact that Louis Farrakhan does just as many good things in the black community. However, his ideaology and rhetoric is hateful, divisive, and outside of the mainstream. AND THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE between what Wright says and what Farrakhan says — which explains the admiration and love that Wright has for him.

Barack-O would have been better served by debunking some of the wild myths and outlandish lies that folks have heard come of the mouth of his nutcase pastor. Beginning with this foolishness that the America goverment spread the HIV/AIDS virus in the black community. Would someone please tell me if the government released a virus at random in the black community — how did it mutate that the only way it can be contracted is via “unprotected” sexual intercourse or the sharing of dirty needles (behavior vs random)? Barack-O could have said as much, but, he didn’t. He chooses to continue to defend the unfendable and he continues to lie about and for this man.

He wants us to believe that his Granny has made racist remarks in his presence, but, Wright HAS NEVER done the same. Even though Wright does this in his very public pulpit and we have evidence of this, however, we have no evidence that his granny has done this. Throw granny under the bus — what a man!!!

By scribe

March 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

It is unacceptable for OUR President to be associated with a church that spews such hate. He has lost middle america with this.

By Reginald Bohannon

March 19, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Obama – Preaching to his choir

The topic was suppose to be Pastor Wright and his anti-America remarks and Senator Obama’s relationship with him. Obama changed it to race relations.

Obama downplayed Wright’s anti-America statements by comparing Ferraro’s comments to Wright’s as well as saying just about everyone’s rabbi, minister or priest have said things that we are in disagreement.

In typical Democrat fashion, he blamed Republicans on the racial ills of America by mentioning Reagan and conservative talk show hosts. Sort of like when Hillary Clinton blamed President Clinton and his sexual peccadilloes on a vast right wing conspiracy.

My most disappointment was when Obama talked about what goes on in black churches. I’m black and I have yet to hear a sermon the likes of Wright’s.

Rather than Obama allaying the fears of the voters, he literally preached to his own choir. That sermon will not get him elected.

By Orlando

March 19, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

I can not believe that in the year of 2008 that we are still discussing race. America continues to judge people by the color of their skin and not by their abilities and content of their character. His race should not even be in the corners of our minds. America does have a whole lot of repair to be done to race relations. There needs to be some honest conversions about race relations in America.

By Chris

March 19, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

One of the things people on both sides of this argument seem to be forgetting is the reason we go to church. Our pastor/priest/rabii/etc. is there to mentor us on matters of faith and religion, not on matters of politics and race. Therefore I think it’s understandable that Barack can have a 20 year relationship with this man and call him his mentor, but not necessarily agree with his views on politics and race. I’m sure we have all had friends who don’t share our views, can you imagine being judged on some of the comments they make?

By Emyrld

March 19, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Unless or until your Mother has been RAPED by the Oppressive, hate-filled plantation owner, You as an offspring of that violent rape, sold off from your mother and family, never to see them again,given an unfamiliar name that cuts off all association of your family & heritage….not to mention the unjustified killing & lynching of your fathers, brothers, uncles, yes and even grandparents, then you have no understanding of what Rev. Wrights’ turmoil is all about. And what is the deal that whites can not stand to hear blacks tell the truth about what was done to them?? Sure..I know it probably was not the present generation that did these horrible acts…but what if it were your anscestors’ that endured this type of inhumane treatment…wouldn’t it still make you angry, sad, disillusioned with the country that allowed this type of treatment to go unheeded? How hard would it be for you to ‘bless and praise’ the oppressive society that not only allowed this, but endorsed it by saying your ancestors were less than human? And the ‘cherry’ on the cake….its’ still going on unabatted…less obvious…but…more deadly…once you have experienced these atrocities…come back and pen a post ..lets us know how it makes you feel. THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH…regardless of who speaks it..listen to the ‘message’ & not how the ‘messenger’ presented it. The America as ‘whites’ see it is not the same as the america that ‘Blacks’ see, nor the one ‘Latinos’ see, nor the one Mexicans see, nor the image that any other nationality sees, and my ‘finale’ is this…. YES !! OBAMA CAN LISTEN TO HIS PASTOR FOR 20+ YEARS AND STILL MAINTAIN HIS OWN ‘VISION’ FOR CHANGE AND ‘A MORE PERFECT UNION’…AFTER ALL ‘BLACKS’ HAVE LISTENED TO THE SAME OLE RHETORIC FROM ‘DO NOTHING TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM WHITES’ FOR OVER 200 + YEARS, AND STILL MAINTAIN A VISION OF ‘HOPE’ FOR A BETTER DAY. Excellent Speech !!Now, can we move on the the business at hand…?

By AMERICA HEART

March 19, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

WE CAN KEEP HATEING ARE TRY TO MOVE TOGETHER. AMERICA IN HEADED SOUTH READ ANY NEWPAPER.

LOOK AROUND WHERE YOU LIVE. THE DOLLAR IS WORTHLESS GAS IS HIGH AS IT EVEN BEEN PEOPLE LOSEING THERE HOME. SO WE SHOULD KEEP HATEING EACH OTHER? CHINA IS BECOMEING THE BIG DOG .

IF WE STAND TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE IT THOUGH.OUR ARMY IS STRONG NOW BUT IF WE KEEP LOSEING MONEY WE ARE HISTORY. WE AS A NATION NEED TO CHANGE OUR WAYS . WE ARE IN DEBIT TO EVERY BODY THAT A FACT.

JEW GENTILE WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER. WE CAN’T KEEP DOING WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING AND THINK WE ARE GOING TO COME THOUGH NO WAY. RACE IS A PROBLEM WE NEED TO KNOW THAT! ARE YOU HAPPY WITH WHAT IS GOING ON VOTE MCcain BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO GET . WE WE ARE SPENDING OVER A BILLON DOLLARS A WEEK IN THE WAR. WE DON’T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY. OUR ARMY IS NO GOOD IF WE AMERICA IS BROKE! BEAR STERN SOLD FOR TWO DOLLAR A SHARE! WE WE ARE STILL HATERING ON COLOR! TIME FOR A CHANGE! IF W AS GREAT FOR YOU AND THIS COUNTRY VOTE Mcain BECAUSE YOU HAVE YOUR EYE CLOSE ARE HATEFUL WE NEED A CHANGE REAL BAD!

By Booyah

March 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

The suggestion that simply talking about race will somehow poison Obama’s campaign is the height of Republican wishful thinking.

I wasn’t sure if I would vote for Obama before I heard this speech. But it was insightful, poignant, and demonstrated his potential as a strong leader. Anyone who says that he isn’t ready to be President needs to have their head checked.

By Eric

March 19, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Jay…..I totally disagree with your statment “Lastly, African-Americans cannot be racist in a culture that is run by white people. There is no way that it is at all possible”……..I’m African American and believe me man there are black racists…I’m a Hillary Clinton supporter and I’ve never recieved reverse racism in my life until I got involved with her campaign. There are black people who have literally cursed me for not supporting barack. I’ve been called a sell out because I chose to support the better candidate. Yes Jay, there are black racists…..from a black man.

By Passer byer

March 19, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Sad, sad, sad. This is why we can not acheive anything. We don’t want to move forward. Change is good. Don’t be reluctant to change. Win or lose the nomination, I’m proud of Barack. He showed he can rise above all the pettiness of this society, the good and the bad, instead of stooping to the level of stupidity. Good for him and much success with the attitude he has, regardless if he wins the nomination or not.

By Kiki

March 19, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

It is ludicrous to think that people of color cannot be racist. People of any color can be racist, period. But this is exactly what Obama was trying to point out-whether white, black, hispanic, or asian, everyone knows what racism is, and most of us have experienced it in one form or another. As a white person, I will admit that I do not know what it feels like to be discriminated against on a regular basis because of my race. But you know what? I can listen to those that have, and try to understand how it makes them feel. You don’t have to be black to understand that racism is hurtful and cuts right to the soul of the person being discriminated against. I do not agree with the hateful things Obama’s preacher said, but I can try to listen and understand why Pastor Wright may feel the way he does. If we can learn to listen to each other, then we can learn how to fix the problem. First, we must acknowledge that black people in this country have a valid right to be distrustful of our government and those who control it. However, it is not helpful to the black community or to any of us to dwell on the injustices of the past. We must remember them, but we must strive for a better future by thinking positive, and coming together. Obama’s trend towards positive, uplifting politics and unity of the American people are what have drawn me to him, and drive my continued support of him. I fear that the older generation of Americans may sabotage this election for the rest of us, and rob this country of its first real chance to bridge our massive racial divide. We deserve Barack Obama! We have waited long enough! I am ready! BARACK ‘O8!

By Miss Manners

March 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Do we agree with everything our parents did or said?

By This is sad!

March 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

To those who said this took place 5 years ago – the speech about Hillary was 3 months ago – this man has been preaching hate since before 5 years ago. Those that say it was the Clinton campaign are wrong also. This is about the republicans being afraid of Obama and putting this out there. Thirteen years ago I walked into a Christmas musical program by The Church of the Apostles held downtown. I am a member of another church. The preacher got up and started speaking about how woman need to fulfill their men and take care of them. I got up and walked out and will NEVER visit that church again or listen to anybody, preacher or not, who espouses woman are here to make men happy. Is the difference in me walking out and Obama not because he is male and I am female or he is black and I am white, or he is northern and I am southern? I can’t answer that but I can say I am very, very uncomfortable with a person who allows their young daughters to listen to someone who spews such hate for our country and a particular race and someone who listens to it for 20 years. I think Obama is a very eloquent speaker but his decision making process is critical in the office of the Presidency. I completely disagree with his decision to stay in the church, and the thought that this preacher would be guiding him while he is President scares me beyond disgust. This is not unity, this is divisive. I cannot vote for Obama.

By Atl resident

March 19, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

As a part of the African American community, I will say that there are a lot of African Americans (not all) that share similar beliefs as Obama pastor. Go to a black barber shop or a beauty salon and talk politics. I’m sure some of the same sediments from Obama’s pastor will present themselves. These feelings are the result of an historical past within this country entrenched with emotional wounds for African American. However, I do agree with Obama as we need to get to a place in this country where we should address these issues from all perspectives. The truth is that most of us (white, black, brown, and otherwise) are not the top 1% in this country with all the wealth and power in this country. Therefore, many of us are in the same boat. In a perfect world, we would all unite around out similarities and discuss and respect our differences and issues. Politicians have to stop running from these issues and begin opening up a medium for decision. Obama is doing this in his address of this issue and how he has handled his campaign.. This is why I support Obama.

By inou

March 19, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Eloquent speaker, but the message is the same: Whitey will never be able to do anything right in the eyes of hyphenated Americans. He should have cringed at his mentor’s anti-American influence as much as he cringed at remarks by his white grandmother. He had me, but no way in hell would I vote for him now.

By Stone Mountain

March 19, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

I dont even know why he had to address this to begin with. He should not be held responsible for what another person says even a Minister. Believe it or not a lot of Americans believed that the US was responsible for 911. Another thing Did all the Catholics leave the churchs because of all the issues they had?. Im sure they didn’t condon it but they are still very much apart of the Catholic church.
Im sure Mr obama’s rating will slip a bit,but he knew that before he wrote the speech. I was really hoping that we had moved beyond this but we have such a long way to go.

By NO WAY

March 19, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

There is no way I would vote for Obama now that he did not totally condem his racist pastor.

The fact that he didnt just cost him the Oval Office.

By IrishBob

March 19, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

I do not normally respond to comments made by candidates running for a political office. However, after hearing and reading some of the comments made by “the-man-in-the-street” concerning the recent uproar over statements made by the Rev. Wright, as well as the “denouncement” made by Sen. Obama, I think I will add my two-cents worth. Concerning Rev. Wright’s statements, one observer remarked that “ministers are known for not making much sense.” Pardon me, but is not one of the reasons people attend church is to hear the minister preach the word of God? Does that statement mean that ministers do not known what they are talking about? Like politicians, ministers write and rewrite their speeches several times before they are given. The bottom line is, they both know exactly what they are saying or they would not say it. That was evident when it took Sen. Obama several days to respond to the disturbance caused by Rev. Wright. If I were running for a political office, and I heard my minister spew some of the racist comments such as those expressed by Rev. Wright. I would not just leave the church, I would choke everyone there with heal dust as I ran into the sunset. If there is anyone who really believes that Sen. Obama has been a member of that church for twenty years and has not head Rev. Wright voice his dislike for everything White, I have some sea front property in Utah I would like to sell you. Sen. Obama’s rebuke of Rev. Wright did not go far enough. He failed to distance himself from Rev. Wright. In fact, he referred to him as a member of his family. Family like we don’t need, especially if we are running for the highest office in this country. By his failure to take effective action to distance himself from Rev. Wright, Sen. Obama has shown that he will not be able to announce that 3AM wake-up call. If you vote for either Sen. Obama or Sen. Clinton, I hope you will be able to live with that vote.

By biteme

March 19, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Fools. Saying the government injected semi-Americans with HIV is outrageous. It sure isn’t working. g******* Wright and his ignorant followers.

By mr curios

March 19, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Barack stated that imus should be gone for a racially insenstive comment and if anyone in his organization said anything like that they would be gone. please explain why can’t he get rid of his mentor and spiritual advisor for repeated transgressions? Does this mean he condones and agrees with him? Or is he disingenuine?

By Tom Sr.

March 19, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

This preoccupation with race is unfortunate for our country. I believe we are ready for either a black or woman president but it has to be the right one. Give us a General Powell or a Condi Rice; someone with real qualifications. The problem with either Democratic candidate is the devastation their election will cause. -They will withdraw our troops from Iraq, causing the murder of untold numbers of Iraqis and further convincing the world that the US is not a reliable friend. They will insure that our men and women have died in vain. -They will inhibit the war on terror, allowing more tragedy to be inflicted upon our country. The Democratic Congress is already doing this and without a Republican veto nothing can stop them. -They will destroy the best healthcare system in the world by moving to socialized medicine. Ours will be as poor as Canada’s. -They will raise taxes on “everyone” to pay for wasteful pet projects. Government spending will spin beyond control. Tax and spend, that is the Democrat way.

By maxwell209

March 19, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Alot of these bloggers prove the point that some people are SO IGNORANT they can’t see behind there own racism. SAD :( I’ll continue to pray for you racist people.

!!IF U GOT HATE IN YOUR HEART LET IT OUT!!! David Chappelle (I know you haters who that line from Chappelle Show)

Obama speech was profound and full of truth. He is for the growth of America and mankind no matter what race, creed or color. It took a minority to build an America for everyone not these racist people trying to discredit this man because of a comment his pastor made. STOP THE MADDNESS!!

Obama 08* Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 Obama 08 *

By Sick of This

March 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I’m still waiting for Obama and his Rev. to say “sorry” to all the folks they have offended.

Jeny, Why should Obama apologize? He didn’t make the infuriating statments. Also, are you waiting for Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton to apologize, too? Thought not. When Diane Sawyer asked Ferraro did she want to retract her statement, she staunchly said that she would NOT.

What’s interesting to me is that no one has come forward to admit that they don’t want Obama to be elected because he’s black. Ok. I’ll start the ball rolling. I’m voting for Obama because I do want to see a qualified black man given the chance to be the leader of our nation—a nation that was built upon the backs of my ancestors. (No, I did NOT vote for Al Sharpton when he ran.) There, my conscience is clear. Try it.

Anyway, I’d bet if Obama were running againt Paris Hilton for president, there would still be idiots using the same stupid arguments above just because Obama is black.

By kay

March 19, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t hold Obama accountable for the statements of his pastor, but I do hold him accountable for his own actions.

In the speech, he acknowledged that he knew his pastor made racially-charged or inappropriate statements for years, but yet he did not leave the church nor denounce it until he was forced to do so. I find Obama fascinating in many ways and quite articulate, but I would have more respect for the man if he came on his own, and early, to repudiate the statements, but he only did so once he was forced into the corner by the playing of the comments on ABC, NBC, Fox, etc.

This is the man he calls his spiritual leader, he allowed the man to marry him and his wife and baptize his children. Should those two small girls be subjected to this type of sermon every Sunday?

If you read Obama’s first book, it is obvious he has racial angst … and a lot of it, which seemed to quickly go away when he decided to get into politics … sorry … there are just too many holes in this man’s story to believe it. It doesn’t pass the test of reasonableness.

By Sharon

March 19, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

I watched sadly as the media played over and over and over the comments made by Senator Barak Obama’s pastor over 5 years ago. I was sad for two reasons: First as an African American middle aged female it seems we would have made some progress. Barak Obama can’t take ownership of words others speak especially from his pastor. I don’t beleve in my heart that anyone can truly, honestly say they agree with everything their pastor may say but it certainly does not mean you have to leave the ministry. Pastors are human beings led by God and sometimes voice things over the pulpit in an emotional way that later on if thought about could have come out differently. I have been happily married for almost 27 years and yes my husband and I disagree on issues but it does not mean I am going to get a divorce. Unfortunately some of the themes communicated by Barak Obama’s pastor were true it was the way they were communicated that may have been harsh. America does have problems and many times as a country we don’t want to deal with the real issues race relations, the inequities of the middle class, healthcare, the haves and the have nots. We have real issues and it is going to take integrity and the ability to look at things from a real prospective to make a difference.

Secondly I was sad because when hurricane Katrina hit no one denounced leadership due to the human suffering of people unproportionately dying on the streets, in the dome, on the briges like animals for days before help even came.

We need to put race aside and realize we all belong to the human race and at least Barak Obama is willing to address the real issues and say let’s all come to the table and make a difference.

I am not going to let what a pastor said 5 years ago detour me I believe Barak Obama is the man for the job and he has my vote!!