No, not at all. I think Mr. Obama has addressed the Rev, Wright issue in a courageous and thoughtful manner and is the most qualified to be the leader of this country.

Not in the least. For a year now I have predicted this sort of thing, and here we are. It should be plain to anyone paying attention that this is only heat lightning before the storm; there will be ‘eruptions’ of this sort on and on, and if he is our nominee we can expect Obama to be covered up in these controversies, as well as intentional smears and innuendo coming from groups allied with McCain.

The best thing Obama can do now for his party, is to drop out and get the primary process over with so we can get ready to face McCain. His numbers are now in free fall and it isn’t going to get any better.

No because I judge a man for who he is and what he stands for. I have always been a good judge of people and Obama is the cleanest human being in politics I have seen for many a season. Having been a member of a white church with very similar issues and a pastor who at times was a very racial and outspoken person we did not leave the church (we are an interracial family). The congregation and the blessings we received otherwise outweighed the outlandish moments of the pastor. My eight children didn’t suffer any, they are all fantastic adults with good families.

If I judged everyone by those they were aquainted with and their pastors, relatives or friends, I probably wouldn’t have very many friends or relatives left myself.

Besides I always try to remember when I point fingers at someone else there are always three pointing right back at me!!

All 10 of us still plan to vote for Obama!

Not at all, Barak Obama is his own person and just because his Pastor made some silly remarks (perhaps even the truth) Obama seems to be very level headed, fair, and importantly he knows people sometimes speak out of line, but this is not the whole being. Obama seems to be able to see the person underneath. By the way wasn’t it Jerry Falwell that said 9/11 was punishment for America.We all know how the neocons loved Francis Schaeffer. How about Hillary’s connection with the
rabid Fellowship Foundation?
Joan North Carolina

No way.! The “Rev” is not running for the presidential nomination, so who cares what he has to say.

Please, if we are going to start caring about everyting an associate/friend of a potential Democratic Presidential Candiate says or does, then let’s us look at Hilary Clinton and her president husband’s antics in the Oval Office with Monica or “White Water.”

Need I say more?

NO! This mess and the manner in which he has comfronted it head on; standing tall, taking the high road, holding firm to his convictions, and unlike most having not thrown his friend under the bus (able to forgive and understand) has only made my belief in his character that much stronger. Humans will never be perfect.

No. And then again I suspect that his opinion of me hasn’t changed because of some of the strange things my pastor said to me a number of years ago. Stuff like ‘waking up with my family gone - raptured - then going to hell forever’. That stuff is lots scarier than McSame.

Why should it, Jack?
Freedom of speech is protected by law.
There is way too much debate over this, race shouldnt even be an issue any more…
So why aren’t there more white rappers?
-Scott L. Wichita, Kansas

One word: YES. I am a Democrat who had hopes for this country with a Democrat elected as our president in 2008. However, I cannot vote for someone who has a “mentor” or “spiritual adviser” who obviously hates the United States. And, who wants a First Lady who only recently became proud of her country. I don’t think the Obamas have had such bad lives considering their status at the current time while so many of us - white and black - old, middle aged and young, are suffering in this terrible economy.

No, Jack, it hasn’t. The man is not perfect. He’s never claimed to be perfect. Even with not disowning Wright, he has still shown better judgement that the other two in the race. It also shows that Wright’s perspective over the years has not warped Obama’s. He’s a man who can think for himself. Combine this with his good judgement on other matters, and that should be more than enough to propel him into the White House.

I am confused about why so many are concerned of what Rev. Wright said and Sen Obama not walking away from his church.

Our president and congress has dealings and is expected to have dialog with comunist countries and dictators that we no have damned us in one way or another yet we don’t walk away.

Stick to the real issues and get on with getting our house in order.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

John

Boston MA.

No. I take the candidates very seriously. I was impressed by Obama when he spoke at the convention. So when I heard he was running for president, I did some research and found out about his connections with radical blacks, the fact that he has closer ties to the Muslim religion than he admits publicly, and that he doesn’t put his hand over his heart when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. None of these things would keep me from voting for him, but they make him un-electable in today’s world. We have a great candidate in Hillary Clinton, so I started to concentrate on supporting her. I think Obama may still have a slight chance, with minorities’ help, and will probably someday be president when the times are more settled.

Dear Jack,

This episode with the reverend has allowed Obama to do something extremely important for the Race Discussion that no white leader would ever be allowed to do. We have all heard and will need to be continually reminded about white racism against blacks. It’s something we cannot address too strongly. However, Obama has opened another side of the topic that is just as important and never gets addressed — black racism against whites. MLK defined racism best when he said we should not judge a man by the color of his skin. This is true no matter what color the person is or what is the color of the person he is judging. Thank you Barack.

We can’t judge people by their preachers. Rev. Wright is a product of his generation who has faced, felt, and been the victim of discrimination. How can anyone truly understand what it is like to be discriminated against based on the color of their skin if they are white? If Lou Dobbs thinks the Senator should have left that church years ago, then he needs to reevaluate many of his friends who have said something offensive and the same argument should apply or Mr. Dobbs is once again being a bit hypocritical or ignorant to the real issue at hand - that African-Americans still need a voice and are still on the back of the bus in mainstream America. I don’t agree with Wright at all, but I do respect Senator Obama’s decision to speak out against what he disagrees with and what he does support from Rev. Wright.

No, not at all. I cannot believe Obama is being held responsible for the words of another in the first place. No one is holding McCain responsible for Hagee or Rev Parsley, or Clinton for her involvement in “The Family” prayer group, or Pat Robertson for himself. Comments from any of these people barely create a ripple across the media pond. I think its laughable that the media wants to know what I think about the controversy it created. Are people not telling you what you want to hear yet? Is that why this tripe has been played ad nauseum for a week now?

No. There are plenty of whacky preachers in the country and all of them support one candidate or another.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX

My opinion of Barack Obama, which is very positive, is only strengthen by the latest controversy of Rev. Wright. Of course there is racism in the US on both sides, and I am shocked that we white people think that we should be turning against Barack Obama for what his pastor has said. We do need an open dialogue about racism, and who better than Barack Obama can provide it. If we do not elect Barack Obama then there is no way that a Black candidate will ever be elected to the Presidency because the White candidate against any black candidate would only have to look to his black church and racism will raise its ugly head again.

Cammie in NY. Nope. Initially, when the videos of Rev. Wright surfaced, I was disappointed that Obama would continue to remain with a minster that would preach such hate, but that was only because I knew how those comments would look coming from the minister of a presidential nominee. Fifteen years ago, ten years ago, even five years ago, Obama had no idea he would be in the position he’s in now, a viable candidate for the presidency. After watching his speech I understand his position better now. Many ministers in African American churches preach in the same way. Rev. Wrights comments were extreme, but many of them were true as well.

Why was Obama so quick to accept the resignation of one of his foreign policy ad visors because of a remark about Hillary being a monster and yet stick with Pastor Wright. Could this be the first of many double standards we are about to see?
De Pere, WI

No. But the news media keeps separateing ‘us’. It would sure be refreshing to have the news media simply say the canidates names WITHOUT refering to either of them as a Black Man or a Woman. You don’t say “White” man when refering to McCain! Obama generates excitement not seen since Kennedy. And his experience is enough to keep him non-partisian which is what we need and want. Some how Clinton, as the wife of a president , gives her experience. Not even. Obama’s experience in Illinois Politics is just fine with me. By the way: President Clinton did not have any national experience when he went to the White House. Tho neither did Bush and look where that got us.

Jack,
thank you for asking this very pointed question! No, It has not changed my mind. J. Wrights comments were immature and wreckless, but I have chosen not to view them out of the context and emotion with which they were made. However, there will be many who will automatically react to them through their own prism of fear and insecurity, then project that onto Obama, and thats unfortunate. I only HOPE these same individuals will also one day be able to HEAR the profound message Obama gave on Tuesday. Then we will truly be living in the “shining city on a hill!

thanks jack for the chance to get this off my chest. You are one cool dude!

No, but I could see why it would change some people’s minds. We live in a highly racially charged society where any challenge to the white superiority mindset (of which I am actually part) no matter how indirect is to be considered disgusting and intollerable. There may be no real tangible evidence to indicate Sen. Obama fully subscribes to Rev. Wright’s beliefs but in the collective eyes of the Clinton and McCain campaign he is guilty by circumstantial evidence by association. Therefore those who don’t really read closely into the facts and only get their news from hatemonger pundits are likely to agree with their viewpoints.

Joel H.
Maysville, KY

Absolutely not! First of all, nobody can control everything someone else says. We’ve seen this a million times thus far with this campaign, from both Clinton and Obama supporters. Second of all, unless I’m wholly mistaken, Hillary Clninton has probably never been called the n word. Reverned Wright’s statements were inflammatory to a degree, yes, but the bottom line is what he said was intended for his congregation in a call to participate in the democratic process as much as anything else. Plus, anyone who has never at some time questioned the United States’ actions and history, and is offended by Reverend Wright doing so, should really address his or her understanding of what being a citizen of a liberal democracy means.

I know people like Rev. Wright. I used to listen to preachers like him. I don’t like their style or message, but I don’t judge them for it.

I take into account that they were raised in a different environment. They were around before MLK and Malcolm X, while I was raised after that era. Back then, blacks had to fight like hell just to be elevated to second-class citizen status. Remember, we used to be treated as livestock.

I look at it this way: Rev. Wright is old school, and Barack Obama is new school. Therefore, I relate more with Obama, while my father might have agreed more with Rev. Wright.

No!! not in the least. Senator Obama has explained his views on the race issue, so that anybody would able to know where he stands. If we all were judged by what our friends, and acquaintances did or said, I don’t think anyone would be elected to any office, except in New York!! I would like to know where the other two candidates stand on the race issue. God help them is one of their friends speak out before they do!! Jay from Edgewater, Florida

I have been an Obama supporter for several months. Changing my view because of a Christian who has clearly anger issues would make me disloyal towards my candidate of choice. So no, it has not changed my opinion. As a matter of fact, it has improved my opinion that Obama is the best choice to bring this country together.

No, I hear the pundits. I would like to ask any white person in a America, especially those that are close to or around the age of a Rev. Wright, and ask them what type of attitude would you have if you saw or had some of the indignities happen to you but yet you stand and try to be a citizen of the country hoping for better days, served in the miliatry, still raise your children to be decent people in society, but you can’t be upset at how society treats you at large?

Did the Rev Wright speak like this every Sunday, No. What was caught was one sermon on any given Sunday and now the world is trying to crucify the man on one snipet of a sermon, and blow it all out of porportion. Those people who want to judge Barack by Rev. Wright, the conservative pundits, etc., They were never going to vote for Barack in the first place or even consider him. Those that are not wise enough to understand the big picture in this, fence sitters, would never be bold enough to say wait a minute, this is not Senator Obama. Those voters who change their minds about him, only needed one thing to make them do so anyway instead of taking the sum of the Man. They are people Hillary has been able to convince that she and Bill need another chance to be in the White House with the same old tired politics.

No, it just confirmed my conclusion that Hillary is the better candidate, and would make a better president. It would be interesting to know if it changed the opinions of the media, and easily impressed individuals.

Absolutely not. If anything I have a greater respect for Senator Obama. He did what he had to do and found his speech, once again, very inspirational. It brought tears to my eyes. This should go down in history as one of the best speeches ever delivered by a politician. He is wonderfullly calm, intelligent and compassionate human being and it’s sad there are not more like him. By the way I am a white 72 old lady!!!

Even though I do have questions regarding the Rev. Wright situation, I still believe based on the other choices we have been given, i.e, Clinton and McCain that Obama is still the best choice for nominee. I would love for him to answer the nagging question on why he stayed at the church so long. It seems to opposite to what I perceive Barack Obama to be. His spirit is so gentle and temperament so calm. My theory is that he was born again under his ministry and feels an emotional tie to him because of that. I am still voting for Barack Obama. I have a zillion more questions on Hillary’s past as well as McCains. Give change a chance, it might just be a great thing.

Jack,
Rather than changing my opinion of Senator Obama, it has confirmed my belief that he should be president. A firestorm fanned mostly for political advantage over Senator Obama was turned into an opportunity for fireside chats about race relations in America. Obama demonstrated leadership, substance, and good judgment by delving into the causes of racial conflict in both the Black and White communities instead of pointing a finger at any one group. What other presidential candidate would have the vision and temperament to encourage a dialogue on a topic that most politicians avoid like the plague? Obama looks like our best shot at being a bridge over the troubled waters of race, economics, war, and healthcare.

My Opinion about Obama has not changed, what have realized is white people do not know about black people in this country, they are so segregated socialy that they cannot tell how black people react to Wrights racists remarks, the truth is most black people listen to these words and dont make too much of it, they have been mentioned in on the pulpit for a long time. Obama is paying for all our sins, he is a great guy he deserves the presidency.

NOPE!! I think it is a complete travesty that we are even questioning Obama’s validity and candidacy. It is only his Pastor’s opinion, not Obama’s. Jack would you like it if you were judged by an opinion Wolf has (sorry Wolf, no offense)? I don’t think anyone would. People are going to attack these candidates on every little thing,when they should be focusing on thier policies.
Was it wrong, well I can’t say because he has a right to his own opinion. Was it lude and crass, Yes, but I can think of many politicians, from both sides who have made lude and vicious remarks. Unfortunately for a lot of people they really don’t understand that discrimination in the US still runs rampart. Look at Katrina and then look at California…how fast did FEMA respond to the latter? Much quicker than Katrina.
I still respect Obama for the man he has shown us to be, upright, compassionate, lover of the US, loves his family, cares about and advocates for the poor & downtrodden , tries to help the troops and Vets, the list goes on and on. Should we judge this man by one unfortunate circumstance, or judge him by his character?
If its by the former, well I think we should impeach almost ALL of the government officials, because they are guilty of alot more than this…look at our commander in cheif, need I say more?

Obama has my vote!!!

NO. Well, maybe a little. It made me like him more for not buckling to the extremists and hatemongers.

. . .Yes. After his dynamic speech, I am more convinced that ever that
Senator Obama has more class than ever, and will definitely get my vote.

YES WE CAN!!!!
OBAMA O8

Absolutely not. The words, thoughts, sentiments are not Obama’s so why would I change my opinion of him? If he shared in his view, even I as an Afr. Amer. would be against such vile ancient views. However, again, they are not his sentiments so my feelings are the same for Obama. Speaking of feelings, my feelings for Hillary didn’t change once it was discovered Bill lied to us regarding Monica, just as my feelings for him. You condem the sinner not the innocent! Grow up.

Has the Reverend Jeremiah Wright episode changed your mind about Barack Obama?

Not in the least Jack.

I’m a middle aged white male living in the suburbs who still sees Senator Obama for his own worth and potential.

Senator Obama speaks to me as a leader this country needs.
He’s not just running for an office, he’s running to be a leader.
That makes a big difference to me.

He’s already done more in his campaign to show his leadership potential and style, than the other candidates have done showing their craft of pitching of politicking.

He’s genuine and a natural leader I look up to and hope will move this country forward and away from the past and the problems Newt really forced onto the national dialog.

He’s taken on topics and disclosure head on instead of trying of bury them or brush them aside. This is conviction, integrity at it’s finest.

Senator Clinton always says it takes more than words.
My response is simple, Words make the argument for or against a topic. The choice of words can either unite or divide. Those words can bring the undecided or foe into the debate and move the debate forward as a country, not as political adversaries. Hillary doesn’t understand the importance of words, thus she tries to bring debate down to her level.

Hillary has shown her division and political prowess in every stump speech and the divisive blame game she’s playing in Michigan and Florida this month. She’s shown her inability to change and move into the 21st Century debate.

Senator McCain is a really genuine nice guy who means well. But my fears of his age, his mental capacity of late and his steadfast focus on a war vs the American economy, our society, our national identity and moving this country forward makes me believe he’s not the leader for me.

So again Jack, I have not changed my mind.

YOU BET IT HAS! I BELIEVE HE IS A RACIST (IN SPADES).

TONY, VANCOUVER, WA.

Hi Jack:

I am fairly certain that Mr. Obama does not share the same views as Mr. Wright. So that is not at issue. I think Mr. Obama has limited experience in the senate.

Ron K. San Siego

I grew up in the South, was friends with black students during busing, and was invited by these friends to visit several black church services. I totally understand Rev. Wright’s anger and comments on the treatment of black people. It’s the “damn America” and accusations that the government spread AIDS among black society that make me wonder how Obama could stay in his church, let alone appoint him to a position on his campaign

Jack, it made me look into the matter further. I found that Rev. Wright is respected in the religious community and 5 minutes did not make the reveranend’s entire career.

Then after I explored it more, I had to remember that Obama is not Wright. Just like Obama is not his grandmother. Obama is the best of these two people and their experiences. Obama did not agree with any hateful language and Barack should be fairly judged on who he is and the views that he personally holds. Views that are unifying, universal, and just.

So no, I have not changed my mind one bit about Barack Obama. I am convinced he is the most genuine and transparent political candidate we have ever had in a generation.

Yes, this so-called “controversy” has improved Barack Obama’s image in my view. It has shown him to have a calm, reasoned approach to adversity. It has shown that he has an independent nature. It has shown him to be honest in his relationships with family and friends. Most importantly, it has shown him to be courageous in taking on volatile subjects (and opponents). He will have my vote in November if Democrats have the intelligence and the courage to nominate him.

My opinion has not changed. Obama is the only candidate who can bring REAL change to Washington.

welllllll…jack, i was beginning to think you didnt have a thought in your head besides bashing hillary. yes i believe poor barock got a splinter in his little finger. uhhh by the way im a lou dobbs independant. you really must broaden your horizons and subjects.

jack, absolutely not—– obama didnt make those statements. his
preacher did..
and u cant hang on to the fact that obama stayed in the church for 20 yrs and dint leave because of the preachers comments.
i am a 65 yr old white male who has attended many services where the
preacher said things i didnt approve of..
i bet if u would play the entire epsode of the 30 second tape of his speech u would find out that a different meaning would be realized.
i have never had a presidential candidate that impresses the way obama
does…. i only hope that america wakes up and sees just how dirty the
clintons really are…………. they dont have any more kitchen sinks to thorw in — so lets get over obamas preacher and let him continue to do his campaigning…. oh i forgot— the clintons will make this a front
page item until she finally realizes she wasted millions of dollars
of the tax payers contrubutions for nothing…
by the way——another one of my favorite people used to be ELTON
JOHN—known for fighting aids fund raising….. i wonder what the
american people think about him raising money to be wasted on the
dirty clinton trail???????
meanwhile a 100 or so people will die while she spends the fund raising money that ELTON JOHN raised for her
HOW SAD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..

No- As Obama mentioned in his unity speech, that there is alot of resentment in the African American community about the laws of the land less than fifty years ago. It is easy for the media to take this non-issue and run with it. I wonder how complacent they would be if they were discriminated against or physically abused because of their skin color. Their emotions would be exactly the same. Let us move past this and focus on the issues of high gas prices, lost jobs, and the decreasing of the dollar. Please stop these devisive topics and unit the democratic party.

Jack, it made me look into the matter further. I found that Rev. Wright is respected in the religious community and 5 minutes did not make the reverend’s entire career.

Then after I explored it more, I had to remember that Obama is not Wright. Just like Obama is not his grandmother. Obama is the best of these two people and their experiences. Obama did not agree with any hateful language and Barack should be fairly judged on who he is and the views that he personally holds. Views that are unifying, universal, and just.

So no, I have not changed my mind one bit about Barack Obama. I am convinced he is the most genuine and transparent political candidate we have ever had in a generation.

Reverend Wright’s rants don’t affect my opionion of Obama. But it does affect my opinion of whether or not Obama is electable, and I’d say it hurts his chances. The fringe groups will use clips of Wright’s diatribes relentlessly during the campaign against Obama. And the Republicans won’t denounce such tactics until after they win votes from race baiting. This will be a Swift Boat lynching.

Not at all. Wright has said some things that were way over the top, but I’ve heard a lot of preachers do that - I’ve just never been in a congregation that included a future Presidential candidate, so those preachers haven’t shown up on YouTube. Either Obama has made his candidacy an honest attempt to move beyond race, or he’s a liar. I prefer to believe he’s honest.

I always viewed Obama as a candidate without substance, experience or depth to be Commander and Chief. His rhetoric didn’t inspire me. His long association (not episode) with Wright only confirmed what I suspected to be true—-Obama’s words mean nothing. His actions speak volumes and his “historic speech” on race was a political move. Thanks to the media Obama’s nature and character was largely left unexamined and unchallenged.

I have always thought of Barrack Obama as a very good candidate and if Hillary didn’t make it I was sure I could vote for him. I have to be honest , now I am not so sure. I have a hard time disassociating him with Rev. Wright. You just can’t be with someone 20 years and not know their views. You can denounce and reject their opinions but you don’t put them on your campaign staff and continue to associate yourself with them and their spiritual guidance. I find it very scary.

No. I didn’t like or trust Barack Obama’s word(s) from the beginning. He is playing the new dirty politics game: his “campaign” played dirty, went negative, while he stayed “clean” and was positive. This way, he looks good for not personally going negative (even though he first played negative about the Iraq War Vote), and for releasing members of his campaign who did go negative on his behalf.

No, I allways thought he was a smooth talking politicitian, just like Bush and Bill, he has half the nation and most of the meadia using the word “change” like he invented it. It’s the word every challenger to every post has used in every election. Aparently, change means more of the same.

No. I didn’t like or trust Barack Obama’s word(s) from the beginning. He is playing the new dirty politics game: his “campaign” played dirty, went negative, while he stayed “clean” and was positive. This way, he looks good for not personally going negative (even though he first played negative about the Iraq War Vote), and for releasing members of his campaign who did go negative on his behalf minus Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

No, my opinion of Senator Obama has not changed. My opinion of the narrow minded gas bags in the press took a steep nose dive though. We spent a week discussing 10 seconds of a sermon. But we didn’t discuss 5 years of a needless war. We didn’t discuss the health care crisis in America. We didn’t discuss the collapse of a major bank. We didn’t discuss the fact that 4,000 men and women have died for this country in Iraq. We may have briefly seen their names, but we haven’t heard the stories–of the families and children they’ve left behind. The media is clearly a rotten institution in dire need of reform.

The controversy has changed my mind on how I view the media, your channel especially, my friend. It’s unbelievable to me that you have 24 hours to cover news on the anniversary of the Iraq war, a day when the market continued to show us our precarious economic condition, and you talk about what a presidential candidate’s pastor said, while never adding any context, or even listening to the context provided in Obama’s speech. The only question you’re able to ask is: did it work? Pathetic.

This has only strengthened my support for Obama and lost you ratings.

No, my opinion of Senator Obama has not changed. My opinion of the narrow minded gas bags in the press took a steep nose dive though. We spent a week discussing 10 seconds of a sermon. But we didn’t discuss 5 years of a needless war. We didn’t discuss the health care crisis in America. We didn’t discuss the collapse of a major bank. We didn’t discuss the fact that 4,000 men and women have died for this country in Iraq. We may have briefly seen their names, but we haven’t heard the stories–of the families and children they’ve left behind. The media is clearly a rotten institution in dire need of reform.

Hagerstown, MD

Hearing Jeremiah Wright’s vitriolic remarks certainly gave me second thoughts about supporting Barack Obama, until I heard Mr. Obama’s speech. St. Peter cursed and denied he was a follower of Jesus, but Jesus didn’t forsake him. Mr. Obama’s didn’t forsake his friend either. That showed me a great deal about Mr. Obama’s character. I remember Martin Luther King’s words exhorting us to judge a man by his character, not the color of his skin. This I will do. I am a middle aged white man from below the Mason-Dixon line. All my life I have seen how the black Americans have been treated. When I put myself in Jeremiah Wright’s shoes, I can understand how he and other black Americans must feel and empathize with them. Unlike Jeremiah Wright, I have seen much progress made in this country regarding race relations, however, we still have much progress to make. I see Barack Obama as an opportunity for America to make another step in that progress. He is a sterling example of what America has to be proud of.

No. I spent my whole childhood in church. Christians believe in hell. They think everyone who isn’t a Christian is going to burn in hell forever. Ask Jews, Muslims, Budhists and Atheists what they think about that being preached every week from the churches of John McCain’s spiritual advisors John Hagee and Rod Parsley. What Rev Wright said was nothing compared to that.

NO, but it has changed my opinion about the media. You guys are supposed to report the news not create it. Okay, the guy’s pastor is controversial. It is a worthy topic. But to have drummed it into the ears of listeners everywhere, is to have played off the dorment (and not so dormant) fears of those who are suspicious of anyone different from themselves. And let’s be honest, is it really THAT shocking that African-Americans experience a different America? Are we so naive as to think that the United States hasn’t played even a small role in the caustic hatred that has been brutally spewed at us by extremists.
This country needs to wake up and grow up!

Hi Jack,

I have got to be completely honest with you; if ever I liked Barack Obama before, I absolutely love him now. The controversial sermon from his pastor Rev. Wright, are honestly something that “needed” to happen to get this country to realize that scars from racism are still there, and there is no need to cover it up with a politically correct bandage every time it happens. Obama took this situation and showed us that we need to deal with it “now.” The time is “now.” If we get carried away with this, how can we ever come together? He showed the courage and leadership of a sincere and honest President that gave the American people and those that are watching us what we have been constantly crying for: the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it’s better than only being told what sounds good to only win our hearts and deceive us behind our backs. That is what so many Administrations for so long, including the current Bush Administration has been doing and it’s not right. Obama could have dismissed his pastor and separated himself from him to “please the minds of those watching to win votes,” but he chose to be truthful and to show that though his pastor may be imperfect in his thoughts, he will not just throw him away as if he never meant anything to him. That took courage and love- and that is a true sign of Christianity. Who in this world is perfect? But more importantly, who can take an imperfect, detrimental situation, and be truthful and upright when dealing with it: Barack Obama. And if Barack would have dis-owned his pastor, I can promise you all that the media and especially conservative critics like Rush Limbaugh, would have found something else to pounce on Obama about. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Let’s all be glad that we have a candidate that is trying something new for once: the plain truth. And more importantly, let’s begin to unite so that we can deal with this together as a United family. This is Obama’s goal, and it’s one we all should support if we want to see our country and the futures of our children be properly placed on the road to prosperity.

I am really amazed at how divided this country really is, It is clearly yet painfuly obvious much Obama means to REV. Wright. His actions reflect that of a parent if I can use the term whose child has been wronged unjustly. And remarks how ever inflamatory they maybe appear to be, only reflects the depths of the scars that racism his inflicted upon those of america who have been looked down upon as second class citizens. What’s really sad is that there exist a segement of black america who who treat other blacks as worse as some whites have over the years, it would be a relief for my soul if this issue was a addressed openly and honestly. For those who insist that racism doesn’t exist are not christians, for Jesus made that point clear with the woman at the well, and if you do not embrace Rev. Wright then you are just as guilty as those who wanted to stone the woman caught in the act of adultery. I’m not as educated as those of you in the media, or those of you who operate your radio programs, but I like to believe that I am a proud american, but how proud can I be when you see your own country catering to the needs of others, while ours go unmet. Baltimore, Maryland

Absolutely not!!!!!! As far as Obama remaining a part of his church,he should, as long as he is comfortable worshipping there. I have heard Rev. Wright speak on several occasions and have never heard him say the kinds of things that are being aired. These sermons were preached in 03. The question is, what have we heard Obama say? he’s the one running for President not Rev. Wright.

I still admire and love Barack Obama….even more after this episode. I just pray he gets though it and into the White House.

Not in the least Jack.

I’m a middle aged white male living in the suburbs who still sees Senator Obama for his OWN worth and potential.

Senator Obama speaks to me as a leader this country needs.
He’s not just running for an office, he’s running to be a leader.
That makes a big difference to me.

He’s already done more in his campaign to show his leadership potential and style, than the other candidates have done showing their craft of pitching of politicking.

He’s genuine and a natural leader I look up to and hope will move this country forward and away from the past and the problems Newt really forced onto the national dialog.

He’s taken on topics and disclosure head on instead of trying of bury them or brush them aside. This is conviction, integrity at it’s finest.

Senator Clinton always says it takes more than words.
My response is simple, Words make the argument for or against a topic. The choice of words can either unite or divide. Those words can bring the undecided or foe into the debate and move the debate forward as a country, not as political adversaries. Hillary doesn’t understand the importance of words, thus she tries to bring debate down to her level.

Hillary has shown her division and political prowess in every stump speech and the divisive blame game she’s playing in Michigan and Florida this month. She’s shown her inability to change and move into the 21st Century debate.

Senator McCain is a really genuine nice guy who means well. But my fears of his age, his mental capacity of late and his steadfast focus on a war vs the American economy, our society, our national identity and moving this country forward makes me believe he’s not the leader for me.

So again the answer is No this hasn’t change my mind. I am still a full fledged Senator Obama supporter.

PS, I am a 68 year old white woman from ALABAMA

Absolutely not Jack. Obama didn’t say the words. I think the media is more obsessed with this story than the public. It is the economy stupid. It is the high gas prices. I want a leader that will fix those problems for me. I judge Obama on his own merits. There are many politicians who attend church and support equally as explosive seperatist like Hagee and Jerry Farwell. Hagee was the one who said Katrina was a blessing from God to kill the sin in New Orleans and McCain calls him his spiritual advisor and welcome his support.

Jack just take a listen to this preacher. I hope you have a barf bag on hand. He would fit perfectly on the fox network.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khuu-RhOBDU

i was going to vote for borat obama but after all the pandering to him by the media i will now vote for anyone but him . north carolina

No, it has not changed my mind. My close friends are always saying something I don’t like are agree with. However, I respectful agree to disagree with them. I don’t disown them. Nobody is perfect. Not even men of God. I have disagreed with many things my pastor has said but thats no reason to turn your back on your church’s community. Plus, I am all for freedom of speech. I totally against censorship. Without the airing out of negativity we can never make true progress. However, we need to used the air out process to build a positive movement. The issues of race, religion, and patrotism are three topics that can get really ugly especially when mixed together. It can get really ugly if people are not willing to seat down and dismiss their own prejudices and short comings before talking.

NOT AT ALL JACK, REV.WRIGHT’S COMMENTS ARE NOT MY VIEWS…THEY ARE HIS VIEWS…HE IS STILL ALLOWED TO SAY WHATEVER HE WANTS TO IN THIS COUNTRY. HE IS NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT. OBAMA HAS SAID OVER AND OVER THAT HE DOESN’T AGREE OR CONDON. DOES ANY ONE REALLY BELIEVE THAT OBAMA SHARES THE VIEWS OF HIS FORMER PASTOR? ITS CLEAR THAT HE IS HIS OWN MAN. HE’S NOT THE ONE WHO SHOT A FRIEND IN THE FACE,GAVE NO BID CONTRACTS TO FRIENDS,OR LIED UNDER OATH AND WAS EMPEACHED. SOME OF YOU MAY WANT TO JUMP OFF YOUR SOAPBOXES UNLESS YOU WISH TO SIT THERE A COMPLAIN UNTIL THE REPO MAN SHOWS UP TO TAKE IT FROM YOU. THERE ARE LARGER ISSUES TO DEAL WITH AND HAVE ZERO BEARING ON THE WORDS OF A RETIRED PREACHER IN CHICAGO.

As someone who was previously not a supporter of Senator Obama the Rev. Wright controversyl led me to do some fact checking on what I thought were reprehensible mischaracterizations of the U.S. government. Using CNN as a source for some of the fact checking it turns out that the U.S. government did have a large role in bringing drugs to the African American community (See Iran-Contra), the U.S. goverment did enact drug sentncing guidlines that impacted the African American community more harsly (See Crack Cocaine Sentencing Guidlines - See Senator Biden’s recent statements), the U.S. government did knowingly infect African American males with the syphllis virus to witness it’s effects (See Tuskeegee Expirement), the U.S. government has exploited and proped up rutheless dictators in the Mid-East (See Shah of Iran, Saddam Hussein and others) that have inflamed anti-american sentiment. Rev. Wright’s comments are in-excusible and diminshed any opportunity for him to use his position to have a legitimate debate on the issues he raised. I certainly hope CNN will explore the issues raised in Rev. Wright’s comments, I beleive Anderson Cooper does a segment called “Keeping Them Honest” and discuss if their is any truth to what Rev. Wright has claimed.

Changed my mind? No.

Affected my opinion? Yes.

I had heard about Rev Wright on the radio from that right wing nut case Sean Hannity months ago. The fact that Obama chose the high road in how to address the issue. The fact that Obama chose to not through his pastor ‘under the bus’, as most politicians would have done. The fact that Obama stood up and took it head on, telling Americans what they needed to hear, not just telling us what many wanted to hear. All of that affected my opinion of him… for the better.

It’s refreshing to have a politician tell us the truth and in a manner in which we need to hear it. Of course there will be many that think it wasn’t enough, like those that support the President that lies to us and the Vice President saying “So?” when asked how he felt that 2/3rds of Americans were against the war.

Help, is the media ever going to get back to the news. I need to know about the economy Jack…Which one of these candidates has a plan to save my bacon! I really have no interest in the Rev. Wright, he is not running for President…Bring the troops home, insure the poor, feed the hungry, that’s what is important to me Jack.

The 3 cable news networks need to get back to basic news reporting and stop talking amongst themselves…I am sick and tried of listening to opinion, I have my own.

Back to basics folks or it’s back to the movie channel for me!!!

Not at all.

I’m sad to see that Obama felt he had to jump through the apology and disassociation hoops regarding Rev. Wright’s comments instead of analysing them for the challenge they presented. Obama said Rev. Wright’s comments were “inexcusable.” He is wrong to say so. He is kow-towing to the right-wing.

For example, Wright dared to say the 9/11 was America’s foreign policy “comming home to roost.” Well, he was pointing out the consequences of actions on the human level. He wasn’t saying God was punishing America, he was saying that if you hit someone in the face they are very likely to hit back and 9/11 was an example of hit back.

Now compare that to McCaiin’s endorser Pat Robertson who claims to know God’s intentions and supports the view that 9/11 was God’s own act upon America as punishment for America’s support of gays.

Which comment is not only more absurd, which is more blasphemous? Wright was making a comment about human behavior. Robertson dares to presumne that he knows God’s thoughts and will. Saying that 9/11 was a human act as Wright did is tame compared to Robetson’s insane babbling. Why doesn’t the main stream media ask McCain to renounce Robertson’s support?

Why indeed?

Consider Wright’s comments saying “Damn America”. Was that any more outrageous than Robertson’s comments? Wright says that America is damning itself, not that God is damning us. But while Robertson condemns America’s support for the human rights of gays, Wright is condemning Americas failure to live up to human rights.

Wrights comments were entirely and completely in accord with the Old Testement prophets like Micah and Isaiah.

If conservative evangelical Christians are going to be upset over Wright’s comments then they are in fact disavowing the Old Testement.

What Rev. Wright said is exactly identical to and nothing different than what Micah said in Chapter 3:

1 Then I said,
“Listen, you leaders of Jacob,
you rulers of the house of Israel.
Should you not know justice,
2 you who hate good and love evil;
who tear the skin from my people
and the flesh from their bones;

3 who eat my people’s flesh,
strip off their skin
and break their bones in pieces;
who chop them up like meat for the pan,
like flesh for the pot?”

4 Then they will cry out to the LORD,
but he will not answer them.
At that time he will hide his face from them
because of the evil they have done.

Obama, is correct to point out that Wright’s comments may be taken to be speaking of America as a static condition, and that what is always the essential issue is how to make a more perfect union. Since how to make a more perfect union is the democratic challenge, Obama is the only candidate among Clinton, McCain, and himself, who is directly speaking to the Constitution’s ideal of making a more perfect union.

Absolutely not. The speech Senator Obama gave on Tuesday reaffirms my commitment to and support for his candidacy. The right wing can make as much ado as it pleases about Reverend Wright’s comments. Fact is Senator Obama is one of those rare jewels of a candidate that only occasionally happens in a generation. He has far more substance and integrity than the entire lot of those who attack him so ruthlessly and relentlessly.

Nope.

Just as her prior involvement with NAFTA doesn’t change my opinion of Senator Clinton. I’m still fired up and ready to go. How ’bout you Jack?

OBAMA 08.

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright ‘episode’ became one with the continual looping of an isolated remark that was not Obama’s. The looped airing of Obama’s ex-pastor painted an out-of-context negative racial image, and I think the media got carried away with a provacative image and sound bite that ultimately was a negative racial statement made by them. Obama has only reaffirmed by positive opinion of him in his brilliant speech the other day, and by running a positive campaign that rises above the fray.

why should the views of Wright change my mind or anyones mind about Obama if the infidelity, distrust, disgrace and sex scandal of Bill Clinton as president didnt change the mind of his supporters and his wife when he was in office? Obama stands for change, a new america. a new vision that will bring many races and quite possibly many nations together. we can not be at fault for the views and opinions of any one individual. i’ve always hated cheese cake as a kid and my mother loved baking it. should i disown my mother becuz i dont like cheese cake or disagree with her baking cheese cake over chocolate? my point is, you can love and respect someone for direction or love they have giving you in your life but doesnt mean you agree with all their views. Hillary is at again. what’s next Billary? my god whats next ?

As long as there is war, as long as Americans seek better jobs and lower prices, as long as America has a tarnished image abroad, as long as the dollar continues to lose value, as long as our citizens are less safe, as long as there are those without health care and as long as there are children unable to obtain a quality education we will need a man like Barack Obama. The public availabilty of brief snippets of sermons from his former pastor has not changed Obama’s judgment or his ability to lead.

No, Obama didn’t put the words in his mouth. This was just some old guy spouting off when he shouldn’t have. It’s nothing more than what Geraldine Ferraro had to say. Both candidates have distanced themselves from people making inflammatory remarks. Lets move on.

If this is all the “dirt” the Clintons can dig up on Barack Obama, then we should be proud to have him as our president. With everything they throw at him, he’s remained calm, cool and collected, and pointed out the very fact that they are more interested in talking about the dirt than about the real issues that are affecting the average citizen on a daily basis. I wonder if the Clinton’s live in a glass house…

It absolutely has……. for the better !! Barack’s reaction to all the brouhaha was stellar ! I feel this man has the courage, strength and convictions to stand up to the GOP onslaught on the path to November.

Hillary still has a few skeletons in the closet yet to be opened — I doubt she will deal with them in such a dignified and brilliant manner.

Of course Jack, Obama wants the nomination so badly, he “attacked “is poor defenseless Grandmother. Can you imagine putting what Obama claimed he heard her say in the same sentense he did not hear what his pastor said?

Gordon
Texas

Obama’s association with Rev. Wright only strengthens my opinion of him as a uniter.
What other candidate could even shine a light on this segment of the black community, while simultaneously appealing to as many other demographics as Obama has during this political season?
Is the Reverend Jeremiah Wright not an American, the same as Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, or any other American religious leader who espouses controversial social commentary or judgement?

If anything, the whole thing just made me a stronger supporter. Everyone seems to be saying, ‘ how could he sit there for 20 years and not believe what wright was preaching?’ I look at it another way. He must be a very strong independent thinker. He isn’t afraid to listen to all sides of an issue…no matter how painful the rhetoric, and draw out of it the causes and possible solutions. What a powerful skill that will be when talking with the shites and sunnis, the oil moguls and the consumers, the house and the senate members. This guy is for real.

Speaking of Reverend Wright, in order to make the news fair and balanced, CNN might want to share with its viewers what the son of a former powerful leader of the Religious Right , the late Reverend Francis Schaeffer, has to say about the Right’s hypocrisy where Reverend Wright is concerned. Mr. Frank Schaeffer wrote an article entitled “Obama’s Minister Committed Treason but When My Father Said the Same Thing He was a Republican Hero.”

Mr. Schaeffer writes:

“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.”

Nothing has changed my mind. Obama deserves to win. He’s had to fight against many odds in this campaign, some things a little underhanded, some things a little dirty, and some things down right unfair. He has held himself calm and collected and met the challenges head on. He will make a brilliant President.

Nope.

Just as her prior involvement with NAFTA doesn’t change my opinion of Senator Clinton. I’m still fired up and ready to go. How ’bout you Jack?

OBAMA 08.

My opinion about Obama has not changed. Being a young black american I hear these types of statements all the time from different venues, but that doesn’t mean that’s my opinion or my view of the world. Obama has stated his views and that’s what I’m basing my opinion of him on, not on the words of another person with the freedom to say whatever is on his mind.

Jack: Definitively not. This is a passionately racist country; racism is a pathological anxiety for America, and it will continue to be so in the foreseeable future, unless Americans work it out of themselves. Americans have to decide if they want to stop it; curtail it; or to do the right thing… only then will it be done, but not until then.

I’m still an Obama supporter and even prouder of him after his speech. I have people in my circle of friends and family who aren’t always 100% unbiased or given to saying things occasionally that aren’t politically correct. They know where I disagree with them but I don’t disown them. Most are pretty good people, but, they are human and have their failings. They are not extremists and wouldn’t hurt anyone. If I lived my life only associating with those who believe and express themselves exactly like me, I would be missing some dear loved ones. Besides how do you cross those cultural divides unless you are communicating and learning amongst each other on a day to day real life basis.

yes it has. i voted for sen hiliary in the tex primary but after seeing the way barrack conducted himself during this ugly situation, i will definitely throw my support to him from now on. we(the American people) should have had a national dialogue on race 100 years ago! perhaps we would be at higher level than the scum level we are at now in terms of race relations amongst all the different races of this country. and maybe we could have skipped over 50 years of jim crowe laws!!!!!!

Yes, it makes me question his “judgment” and he doesn’t seem like a “uniter” anymore.

His speech seperated African Americans and White Americans, and he made Hispanics and Asians bystanders.

John
Donna, Texas

The way Obama has handled this has made me admire him more. I don’t understand why so much is being made of his former pastor’s remarks. Obama has denounced and rejected them. Why won’t the media let it go? I understand the right wing latching on. They are full of hate and fear. What I don’t understand why the MSM keeps it alive.

Barrack tried to make this controversy about race. It’s about judgment and leadership.
A true leader would have exposed and denounced this behavior when it occurred not when it became politically expedient.
There’s no Profile in Courage here.

No, I would hate to be judged by some of the things my circle of people have said.

Absolutely not. I believe that we need a different direction in the White House and, I believe, he is the direction we need. Litchfield MN 55355

Absolutely not. I am disgusted with this country.

Yes, it has made me even more confident that he is the person I want to be the president of the US. You can’t help but admire the fact that despite what would be best for his campaign, he choose to stand by a man that he admits, although flawed, is like family to him. It shows that Obama IS a different type of politician; he is willing to stand on his integrity, no matter what the political consequences. He is a breathe of fresh air in a arena where politicians will say anything to get elected.

No it has not changed my opinion of Barack Obama, I never thought much of him to begin with.

To see so much support remain in light of this kind of thing is very disturbing to me and has definitely made me take a look and re-evaluate my opinion of America as a whole. I thought we [America] were better than this, to excuse these relationships so easily makes me wonder where America is truly headed as a whole. GOD help us!

Certainly not. I am just imploring the rest of us to try to listen to those comments with our thinking caps on, and may be we will see them for what they are- an unwarranted attack on the government and Hillary, simple. I still cannot hear one word of race hate in them except if we assume that the government and Hillary are synonymous with the white race. If anything the speech has led me to conclude that Wright is a very angry American but fails to tell me anything about Obama. I am still forced to assess Obama based on his plans for America and still cannot for him on the it. Let’s talk issues and not personalities because America is greater than any personality.

Jack;
Not at all. Where was the media asking George W Bush to repudiate Pat Robertson and Jerry Fallwell when they said the U.S. deserved 9/11, because of immorality? Those comments were far worse than this Wright guy’s comments.

N-O Jack! hillary and the company she keeps around her are cunning, but I’m to smart for this kind of manipulation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haiticuba
God bless Obama

No, I didn’t like him before and I now know why…He is a liar, and a racist. How dare he justify his affiliation with a hate monger. You media people are so easily fooled. He lied about being present when Wright was spewing hateful words about America. He has put his two girls in the middle of all this hateful rhetoric. Are you media so blind to what this is all about? Give me a break! “I am a uniter not a divider,” where have I heard that nonsense before?

The last time a politician stood by his man (Bush, Rumsfeld) remember them? It cost Bush the house and the senate in 2006. What do you think loyalty will cost Obama?

No, it has not changed. My opinion about Wolf Blitzer would not change if you Jack, constantly raled against CNN and mentioned Wolf’s name either. And you spend a helluva lot more time with Wolf daily, than Obama did with Wright on a weekly basis. It’s the shallow minds of the non-thinkers who will change. Now if MSM will quit pouring gas on the fire by interminable playing of the damning clip, maybe we can get back to normal. And Wolf, you do wear a white hat.

Yes it has for several reasons.
Rev Wright has played an enormous role in Obama’s life. The house of worship you attend is where you get in touch with your spiritual side.
Now we find out that Obama’s spiritual leader is full of hatred and racism and anger.

Second - all of this time I have been wondering why the “unity” candidate is running as an African-American, and not a child of a ‘mixed’ marriage, He never mentioned his white mother - until it was politically necessary.

Third - I feel like he threw his grandmother under the bus. It was interesting to me how he used her to make a point on racism, and then went on to say how much she loved him….but neglected to say that he loved her and how thankful he was to have her raise him.

Obama is a phony.
No wonder why he always sounds like a preacher when he talks.

Drivers licenses for illegal’s Amnesty more welfare unsecured borders and no plan to secure them ending NAFTA (wink wink) and the list goes on and on the Rev Racist Wright was just the Cherry on the cake There is no way in Hell I would ever vote for Obama

No jack it has not. We all have acquaintences who embarress us from time to time. It has convinced me that I would never vote for the wrong Reverand Wright and I am really looking forward to Senator McCain’s upcoming guilt by association trials. I wonder if those over fed over paid right wing republican talking radio heads will go into the same feeding frenzy they’re enjoying now when McCain’s feet are to the fire for his association with the cheney/bush war mongering administration?

No, it has not changed my mind. Poverty is root of the weed of so many problems within this society. We can solve homelessness, poor education, unemployement, interclass conflict, drugs, ignorance, and hate if we solve the poverty problems. We can not build a brigher more opportunity filled america with subgrade material. We need to air out our dirty issues to move forward and make true progress. Black men still make less than their white man, white female, and black female counterparts. Women are still subject to sexiest acts, comments, and abuse.

Yes. Before I thought he was a good candidate for president; but after seeing him make that speech in an attempt to explain his relationship to Rev. Wright, I now think that Barack Obama is the GREATEST CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE IN MY LIFE!!!

Obama ‘08

Let’s see…. Barack made this about race??? I don’t think so, it was Bill Clinton who made the 1st comment about Sen. Obama’s win in North Carolina.
As far as whether Rev. Wright’s comments have affected the way I think about Sen. Obama, I don’t remember anybody saying anything about some of the reallllllllllly stupid things that the late Jerry Fallwell let slip out of his fat mouth. Nor do I remember anybody slamming Pat Robertson for some of the reallllllllly hateful crap that came out of his trap either. So if you all don’t mind, let the “Cup” pass from Sen. Obama & do not make him drink it.
Patricia
Palmdale, Ca.

The challenging situation showed us what Obama is made of. I’m proud he’s a Christian, a Democrat, an American. After the past 7 years the nation is crying out for a hero. “Ask and it shall be given.”

If anything, I am rating my opinion of him higher than before. If the situation were reversed, Hillary would throw her mother under the bus if she could gain more votes. I am a white female and I have the utmost respect for the fact the Barack repudiated his pastor’s comments but not the pastor himself. It takes a man of integrity to stand there knowing full well he could lose votes if he didn’t disavow his relationship with the pastor but at the same time letting us know that he absolutely does not agree with the comments.

The Reverand was, in his own way, pointing out the failures of our government and it’s foreign policy. The super patriots who criticised him can not admit that this country is in fact the biggest exporter of death in the world. It was us that dropped the bombs that killed hundreds of thousands of Japanese civilians. It was us that carried on the mistake in Viet Nam that resulted in 3 million deaths. And now we are occupying another nation to acquire their resources, again. This country needs more of the kind of critical self evaluation Reverend Williams was offering. His statements contained the truth delivered provocatively and it stings.

Jack,
Not in the slightist. If Obama had said these thing’s I would surely think twice but the fact is what was said were the views of another man. How can one person be held accountable for the views of everyone they know? I wouldn’t dream of passing up the best chance for a new beginning in this country based on the surly comments of a tired old man, who is not the person running. No sir, I’m too mature to allow a 30 second video clip of another man dissuade me form the Honest Change that is Barack Obama.

I am more impressed with Obama and his response to the unfair attacks on his pastor’s sermons than I was before. Even Mike Huckabee calls these attacks unfair. Shamefully, many in the main stream media are trying to use this to keep people interested in a race which is already over - Obama is ahead on every count . . . and after this episode, there is no doubt that he has out-classed his opponents too.

The Wright episode has only reinforced my opinion of Obama. He is a political animal masquerading as a force for change because it is expedient. Where was his judgment in associating with such a controversial figure as Wright? He would excoriate a white candidate for backing a similarly negative personality with a racist bent. However, it is obvious that Obama cannot disassociate himself entirely with Wright without losing some African American support. He needs the Black vote in North Carolina and Pennsylvania in order to stay competitive. Obama used Wright much like he used his association with Rezko in his quest for political power in Illinois. Why does CNN fail to question his “judgment” on both issues in it’s 24/7 Obamathon?

A very little but it seems to have had a stronger affect on the general public. Maybe heshould start thinking abiout the second spot to give time for this ton wear off and for him to season.

yes, i will fully support him!!! we (the american people) should have had a national dialogue on race in this country 100 years ago! Peerhaps we could have avoided jim crowe laws and the horrific affect it had on the black community! Perhaps we would not need to enact welfare or affirmative action laws to off set the large advantage given to a particular group of people while inflicting hardship on another group! and perhaps we could look at the character of a person rather than color of skin of a person to decide if they are good or bad!

john, killeen, tex

Yes it has. He is even a better person that I thought he was before. His speach as an explination of his feelings was inspiring and revealing. It shows he will be far and thoughtful in all his decissions. If he does not get elected I will be very sad.

My opinion of Barack Obama has not changed. My disgust with the non-stop spectacle that passes for serious news has deepened. It’s a never-ending merry-go-round of uninformed, hypocritical, decontextualized garbage aimed not at truly educating, truly informing, truly raising the level of discourse in this country but at keeping us entertained and ignorant. If instead journalists, pundits, and citizens spent their time and energy actually working to solve this nation’s problems– ending this pointless, bloody war; fixing our floundering economy; providing Americans with affordable health care and education; and tackling global warming to start with–we could make profound, necessary, lasting changes that are crucial to not only improving but ensuring the security, health, and greatness of our nation.

Not in the least. I wish instead of constantly replaying and discussing Reverend Wright’s snippets, the media would play Barack’s entire incredible speech in Prime Time instead of 10 AM on a Tuesday. Hopefully the common sense of America will see the visions of great leadership vs. old school politics. Barack couldn’t have been any more eloquent in his words or his delivery, and his ability to address such sensitive topics in such an honest and brilliant manner proves he is not one to run from any issue that is on the table. So, Hillary, where are your tax documents that you promised we’d get right after the March 4th Super Tuesday after which you said you would have time. And is anyone more scared of John McCain’s lack of memory in Iraq than they are of Barack’s association with a Reverend? I AM!!

NO, and I don’t think Sen Obama should be held on the wall for something his Pastor has said. I think the media sould be asking the Rev. Wright himself what he meant regarding his statements. and let Sen. Obama go on with this election. Unless by attacking Sen. Obama is away for the Clinton machine to gain avantage over hin in the election, go figure.

It