Rev. Wright just needs to go away and I’m still voting for Obama to win. I don’t care what Hillary says or how many times she’s got bring up how “he wouldn’t be my pastor”. I’m so sick and tired of hearing about this windbag’s ranting and raving. As far as I’m concerned, Rev. Wright is a disgrace. He just wants he 7 minutes of fame and if the people are smart about it they’ll just let Rev. Wrights comments go in one ear and out the other. Last time I check Rev. Wright isn’t running for the presidential nomination of the democratic party. Stick with the issues of this country and not some ridiculous twit who only cares about himself like the Reverend.

That’s entirely up to the media. In the past few days, I’ve seen more video of Rev. Wright than I’ve seen of Senators Obama and Clinton combined. It’s as if there were some kind of conspiracy to nullify Obama’s candidacy.

Meanwhile, the tabloid journalism continues, the spectacle continues, and the American public stays blissfully unaware of the issues.

I think it hurts him now more than the General Election. The good thing about all the Democratic primary set backs for Obama, is that they take the steam out of the GOP attacks when they come. I’m not saying he didn’t lose voters, but the silver lining in all of this is that this man looks like an arrogant ass who can not be controlled. Not by Obama, Not by the Media, Not by himself.

FATALLY!!!

I think Obama’s lustre was beginning to tarnish and the egomaniac Wright is completeing the job. He’s finished.

Jack: A person, who always says that bad things are going to happen, is sometimes called a Jeremiah. This Jeremiah (Wright) is a self-fulfilling prophet, who is making the bad things happen to justify his own anger and his own inability to reconcile past wrongs and move forward. So can Obama now throw off this Jeremiaic millstone and return to a message of hope and unity? I hope so. But it’s not up
to Obama. If he can’t, he should ask his delegates to vote for John Edwards. We don’t want Hillary.

I was at the Detroit Branch NAACP Dinner and I must say from the response of the “mixed” crowd ie. Race. This has not hurt Obama in the least bit.

Although I support Obama, I believe that most Americans really wish the mud-slinging would cease and Rev. Wright thing would go away. Lets get back to the real issues…..Jobs, Food, and Healthcare.

Lance
Detroit

The more we see of him, the more we see that he is not Obama, that he doesn’t speak for Obama and that he is actually not concerned that he is hurting Obama.

He’s doing a little damage now, but by next week we’ll be sick of him again and Obama will be fine.

Boise

Many white Americans will find it difficult that he was able to sit before such a controversial and ethnocentric pastor for 20 years without seeing something wrong in the Reverend’s message.

This will be clear proof –that Obama agrees with the message he’s been receiving from the Reverend. Because if he didn’t believe in the message–he surely wouldn’t have stayed–and he surely wouldn’t have let this man provide christian education to his children and baptize them. He must agree with the message.

And to white Americans the message sent by Rev. Wright is not good. Despite what he may believe.

Jack, no one is interested in still talking about Rev. Wright except for
Hillary supporters and people who aren’t going to vote for Senator Obama
anyhow, but need an excuse to distract from the fact that Hillary has lost
the delegate count, popular vote, and number of states won. If Hillary
were to be judged on guilt by association, she would not even be eligible to run for president. She would be permanently damaged by her own husband Bill the lover, Howard Wolfson , Mark Penn, . . . . Jack, I could
go on forever, but you need the extra space for your other bloggers.

Phoenix, AZ
I don’t think that anything the Rev said should have any impact at all, but it seems clear that many people pay attention to this stuff. I guess I’d bet that it did some damage, but only time will tell how much. If Clinton actually winds uip with the nomination, in hindsight we’ll be able to say that a) thid rev wright thing was bigger than we expected or b) the Clintons have broken the rules again and stolen something that in all respects shouldn’t have belonged to them. This will become known as “Obama Gate” to go along with the White water thing.

None, As Obama said he does not speak for him, & those who will make a big deal from Rev. Wrights speeches better think twice before they vote for Hillary as they cannot believe a word that she says, nor Bill he lies to protect her (sniper fire in Bosnia, Mom & baby died without insurance) late night speech Ya!!! It was said several times during the day after a good nights sleep. The Clintons think they are owed the nomination, not so.
Go Obama!!!

Wright has hurt Obama….but not nearly enough for me to remotely consider supporting Hillary, with her daily line of lies. We deserve someone much better than her, and someone that provides a chance at unity. She provide no integrity, more lies, dishonesty, deceit, and zero chance at uniting the country. NC will seal the dal for Obama.

I would say MUCH less in comparison than what our current President has done to our country and he served two terms!!! Obama can & will recover from this and win in June & November.

I believed the Rev. Wright controversary, although the majority of what he is saying is true, has put a sort of sting to the Obama campaign. But, Sen. Obama is a very intelligent man, he has overcome adversity here in the past and I believe that he will handle this matter with transparency, and diginity. I believe the American people want to here about how the Senator will handle the issues that the American people are facing. It’s unfortunate that if you look at how fragile our military, and how damaging our economy is that all people can focus on is Rev. Wright. Not to mention these EXTREMELY HIGH GAS PRICES. Lets challenge ourselves to stick to the issues.

Rev. Wright hasn’t hurt Obama to me. It’s not like Obama was saying the things Rev. Wright was saying. But I have to say Rev. Wright is a funny preacher. He seems to be comedian from time to time yet very well educated. However, from some reason I wanted to hear what he had to say when did speak. He’s not crazy, he’s different. He picture me in the mind of Red Foxx on Sanford and Son. I hope no one is judging Obama according to what Rev. Wright say and do. They are two different individuals. One is too bold the other one is meek. It’s like a wolf and a lamb comparison.

After listening to Rev. Wright I must say that I have the upmost respect for him. He is extremely intelligent. I must say however that Barack should not be held accountable for what Rev. Wright saids. This is a free country, and last time I checked the constitution we do have freedom of speech. I am a supporter of Obama, has been and will continue to be. I just wish the media will allow Barack to address issues affecting this country, because it is in a terrible state. Last time I checked Rev. Wright is not running for any public office.

Frankly, I don’t think it did too much damage for the true Obama fans. However, I believe where it hurts with the volatile vote that awarded some states to Hillary, sometimes narrowly and sometimes significantly.

I describe the volatile vote has being people who change their mind several times depending on what is the topic discussed on the headlines. Those votes will go either way because people who do not make up their minds are simply not enough into politics to make the necessary digging to get to know the candidates by themselves. Therefore, they just go with the flow of the moment. However, the negativity affecting those votes is only temporary and they will still vote for Obama in november when he gets the nomination.

Wright hasn’t done anything to Obama. Wright is his own person. If only the media will stop saying “Obama’s former pastor, Rev. Wright..” and just say “Rev. Wright..”. Former means in the past.

Has anyone seen Gov. Rendell’s praises of Farrakhan on stage with Farrakhan on YouTube?

It’s sad that our political process has eroded to the point where it does hurt him so much. I think he has a chance still, but it’s way less than the fervor he inspired a few months ago.

Reverend Wright has done irreparable damage to Senator Obama. It’s clear now, in light of his (Wright’s) latest grandstanding, that he has no concern for Obama’s Presidential aspirations only self-aggrandizement. Senator Obama now has to make a definitive statement totally denouncing Reverend Wright. If he fails to do this, he can “hang it up.”

The damage is total. There is nothing Obama can do now to prevent the republicans from using sound bites of Wright in their attack ads. It does NOT matter whether the ads are true or not, they will work on enough voters to deny Obama Blue states he must have to beat McCain, PA and OH in particular, and Wright is not his only baggage.

This is far worse than the “Willie Horton” problem which dragged Dukakis down; this is already being used to attack any Dem who has endorsed Obama. And it’s only April - who knows what will come out next? He is a fatally flawed candidate and should drop out now.

Earlier, I thought Wright have hurt Obama with working class whites. However, lately I came to the conclusion that the more Rev. Wright shows himself the egotistical idiot he is, the more his political harm to Obama becomes null and void. Mainstream media have given the mike to a man who claims to be a Pastor, but lacks both the personal integrity and the common sense expected from those serving God. He’s entertaining and a rating boost for for the media, but little affect on most Americans.

Wright claims to be a man of God, yet its Obama who has shown the dignity, loyalty and forgiving spirit towards this man.

NY, NY

Rev . Wright hurts himself. I listened to some of what he said in Detroit. After a while I stopped and moved on to something else.

I think people are getting the impression he’s a blathering blowhard. Obama should probably just let Wright keep talking. Eventually Wright will realize that no one cares to listen anymore.

Jack, . . . If Rev. Wright has damaged Senator Obama, then he has
also damaged the Clintons. It is Bill Clinton himself who invited him
to the White House during his impeachment scandal. There is a picture of them shaking hands There is also clips of the Clintons visiting Rev. Wright’s church. If Rev. Wright is good enough for the Bill and Hillary, then he’s good enough for Senator Obama. Jack, do you have those pictures?

I was surfing around wikipedia and on Malcolm X’s entry found that he said, when Kennedy had been shot and killed, “Chickens come home to roost.” Supposedly (I don’t remember this really) the statement made a huge media splash at the time. I suppose Wright is quite aware of this history of the phrase when using it regarding 9/11. Black liberation rhetoric is very much out of date now, very much what Obama cannot afford, and however many Malcolm X streets there are, these are not for the firebrand of 1963.

Why is this still an issue? Rev Hagee calls Catholicism “the great whore” and endorses McCain and that flies under the radar. Rev Wright opens his mouth and the press goes nuts. Obama stated his position. He disassociated himself. Asked. Answered. Move on. Stop beating this thing to death.

P.S. It’s the economy, stupid!

Hillary brings her own negativity to her campaign and Reverend Wright brings it to Barack’s. I believe Barack could greatly neutralize Wright’s commentary by naming the issues he wants to address in a strong manner that demands the media’s to start talking about them instead of the negativity. I see Reverend Wright as someone who demands US racist issues be addressed but unfortunately in a manner that drives whites away. He is part of the campaign like it or not because these are issues that need to be addressed. However it is a shame that he has chosen to take the media’s bait creating such a distraction from the first viable black candidate’s campaign.

If People use their heads and think for themselves, they should realize that Rev. Wright does not speak for Obama, and Obama has distanced himself from this Pastor. The Pastor has the right to Free Speech, but Obama’s credentials and his very person is so superior to Hillary Clinton, that intelligent voters will not be swayed. Hillary is duplicitous and will stoop to anything to sway voters. She does not speak the truth, she does not care about the United States, but only winning at any and all costs. She cannot be trusted.

The only damage he has done has been allowed to happen by the way Obama handled the whole situation. Obama may not like “politics as usual” but he should realize that you can’t change anything by ignoring it. He should have been on top of it from the beginning and not held off until he had the perfect speech written. From the gut has always impressed me a lot more than speech writers.

Jack, We have freedom of speech in this country, our service men and women have fought and died for that right.Pastor Wright has a right to defend his self and the media has picked on him. I watched his speech on CNN and I believe it was very good and very interesting . If he came to my church I would stay in my pew. The voters need to see that he and Senator Obama are not on the same ticket . Pastor Wright is from yesterday and Obama is tomorrow . Now on Wolf’s blog there is a question about Obama shooting baskets , but not hitting it. I think the cameras should follow him to the bathroom to see if he can hit the John. Jack, when is enough, enough come on. Hillary said we can pick our pastor , but not our relatives . I am here to tell her when my old man strayed , I picked my relative. He is my ex. Old white woman from Logansport ,Indiana who will always support Obama.

Connie

While I do believe his comments have caused Barack Obama to have to reframe his campaign, I do not believe that it has hurt his campaign. If anything, it has made it apparent that Barack Obama is not simply being judged on the content of his character, but on the color of his skin and the church he attended. If all you see is a black man, when you look at and listen to this dynamic, visionary leader that Barack Obama is, then it is evident that the country has not moved totally past the issues of race that dominated the day of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rev. Wright is a nut, and he has hurt Obama. Obama should have thrown him under the bus in the very beginning, because Wright
is sure throwing him under.

Jack no one is talking about all the skeletons in Hillary,s closet. So as far as I am concerned the answer is no. All this attention is just another ploy by the media to sabatoge his campaine. If the media was not their to here and record these last two speeches the Mr Wight made it would not have been made into a smear campaine. MW in Ga.

I think that Rev. Wright has went so far over the top, It shows only propaganda initiatives to try to link someone; anyone like Barack to a Wright, any linkage beyond Barack being a member is just a political punch, that will only expose intentions

As an African American I have tried to defend Rev. Wright. However, I have come to believe he is a narcissist who is fundamentally jealous of Obama. Instead of seeing himself as someone who helped to capitulate Obama into a historic moment he has chosen to try and bring Obama down. When I found out that one of Hillary Clinton’s supporters helped to organize the event, it became perfectly clear who Rev. Wright is about. Renounce and reject him Barack.

From some of the news media of late, the public has been made aware that Polygamist have been raping young girls, and heaven only knows what else is going on in this TX compound, yet, the only thing that we hear is “Rev. J.A. Wright”, what are we thinking????? One man does not, a world make.

Jack, Wright should have stopped after the Bill Moyers interview where he came off as a highly intelligent, thoughtful and tragically misunderstood man.

The Obama campaign missed their opportunity to quell this when the You Tube fiasco first broke. They should have had a sedate and reasonable side-by-side (Obama&Wright) interview with Moyers to show the world the less-scary side of Wright and then arranged for Wright’s long vacation on a remote desert isle until December!

Now? As you say, “It’s just getting ugly out there!”

i don’t think it matters what anyone says. this is a race and gender race. people backing obama who don’t want a woman and people backing hillary who don’t want a black man. those are our swing votes. the result is another republican president.

None. The news media has done that for him. Way to go guys, real hard hitting news. Rev. Wright was old news 3 weeks ago. Why do you people insist on giving him all this attention? WHY, why, & why?
Is there any real journalism going on anymore, or are you guys reading scripts? I’m pissed off, big time!!! Get it together media.

Jack, it is the “guilt by association” scenario and the press is running with it. On CNN last night most all of the political coverage focused on Rev. Wright, on and on and on. Looks to me like the press is favoring Hillary–they sure don’t give her that kind of negative coverage. We should remember that Barack Obama is the candidate, not Reverend Wright. In the long run America will see the promise and hope that Obama offers, like that of Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s, and who has the skills to bring us about of this dreadful recession and war.

I also think McCain doesn’t have any credibility to bring up the Wright issue since he has on his side that right-wing preacher who hates the Catholic Church of which I am a member. I don’t see how any good Catholic could vote for John McCain.

Jack,
I don’t know if he is helping or hurting Barack Obama time will tell. We are not allowed to say “One nation under God” any more, we are not allowed to pray in our schools any more, so why are we allowed to bring God or Church into politics? Should all 1.2 million of the members of The United Church of Christ be condemned and held up to ridicule because they are associated with this denomination because of one man? Does this mean that all polititions that belong to a religion should have to answer publically on television about everything their pastors say or believe? Who are any of us to judge another human being because of their religous beliefs? That is God’s job not ours.

Judie
St. Augustine, Fl

Its hurting Obama’s chances big time. Oh! I’m pretty sure he wishes he had denounced Rev. Wright earlier and not only his remarks.

Jack,

Last time I checked, Obama was running for president, not Rev. Wright. I think we need to stay focused on that and simply ask Mr. Obama if there are any parallels between Obama’s plans for America (Foreign or Domestic) and Rev. Wright’s incessant monologue.

Reverend Wright has indeed been a liability to Obama’s campaign. The old saying says tell me who you hang with and I’ll tell you who you are. Maybe Mr. Obama will attempt to distance himself from Jeremiah Wright now, but that will best be interpreted as political panic at this point in his campaign. Bill Richardson likes to say he endorsed Obama for his good judgement. If exposing his young family to Reverend Wright for a number of years is showing good judgement, then the American people had best beware of where they are going with the Democratic nomination.

History is unlikely to make more than a footnote of the Rev. Wright sideshow. What history IS likely to highlight is the unbelievable gullibility of the media, and the return to sensationalist “yellow journalism,” at a time when our country needs to focus on the core issues.

I continue to admire Sen. Obama’s campaign style and focus on the issues, and absolutely abhor Sen. Clinton’s mud-wrestling, dishonest, old-style politics, approach.

T. L.;
high gas prices isn’t a government matter. we’re asking the gas companies to clean up the air and that costs us. i expect gas prices to settle around $5.00 for a while; then go up. the mentality behind this is people will drive less; causing less pollution. the gas companies also have to pay for research for cleaner fuels.

When the 30 second sound bites came out people was like wait a minute but know it like this is not who Barack Obama is and a lot of people see that. Rev Wright is a free man and has the right to speak his mind whenever he feels like but the thing is we need to understand this man is not running for the President Barack is and the thing is if it was not Wright it would have been something else so it really doesn’t matter in my eyes our my Community I fell him speaking out now is the best becaue the media is trying to pertray him as someone he is not is everyone would have listen to him when he was speaking at the NAACP you would see that he is a very smart man and has served his Country well and this man is a gifted preacher doing gods work when this is all over he will still be doing gods work the thing is if we be fooled into believing this man speaks for Barack Obama I think we would lose one of the greatest chances we have in this Country to actually make a change and get out of the gutter politic like we have been use to. Jack

Rev. Wright is doing the damage to Obama, purposely. He is angry that he was dissed. He is an egocentric man looking for self-aggrandizement.
Obama does not have the intestinal fortitude to fray the damage.
He is being tested and he has failed.

To that gal from VA, how do you know all the nasties that you say about Hillary?

She has been tested and won.
Pat, from Secret Cove, B.C.
Canada

I have tried to determine what motive the good reverend has for destroying Obama’s candidacy. I’ve spoken with co-workers and the consensus is that Obama turned his back on the reverend. Now the reverend, who is a mite peeved, is getting his pound of flesh. Barack, I recommend you gain weight. This could get very ugly for you.

I believe Rev. Wright is enjoying his 15 minutes of fame. And yes, we’re all getting tired of it. I was born and raised Catholic and let me tell you some of the sermons I’ve heard over the years would make your head ache. The media needs to let this go.

Here’s a novel idea, stop following him around with cameras - I think he’d go away at that point, don’t you think??? He’s explained his all of the talking points from the video(s), now walk away. There’s nothing else to say at this point.

We’re losing sight of the issues guys. Get a grip.

Wright is a proven jealous, self serving chatterhead now.
He’s a split tounged perfect weapon for Bush/Chenny/Rove/
McCain/Clinton. Karl Rove, war criminal on the loose, is opperating
as usual for a desperate Republican Party now unafraid to
commit any crime to hold a power of total dictatorship. Anyone
in America thinking different, deserves what one more
republican president will spew on them. The dancer, WRIGHT,
posing as a pastor could hurt any of them for $2.00. Karl probably
paid $5.00 and bought the TV time with Clinton Money. You are
one NIEVE bunch of dumb butts if you are buying Wright cheap chatter
and judging a good man, Obama, from that.. Clinton is a LIAR !

Jack
The media has blown this issue with Rev.Wright totally out of control. If your an Obama supporter this means nothing. The fact that the news media supports giving the Rev. air time gives Hillary more ammunition for the double barrel shotgun her grandfather taught her to shoot with.

Well it seems obama did exactly what the supporting media wanted him to do. All day Monday the media was telling obama to give a speech and how to deliever it. Show anger and be upset with what wright said. Answer the questions about Wright, but be forceful and show some emotion. Then we will have your back and report how great you came across. Well, it seems obama listened to you and now lets see how you all report the greatness of obama.
This shows again how the media is trying to once again select our next president. But this time that dog won’t hunt as the people have caught on to the games the supporting media plays.
I do thank you
Ben David

Rev. Wright has done nothing to hurt Senator Obama’s chances, but the hysterical media, particularly CNN, its anchors, and all its so-called ‘political analysts’ continue to make this a “tabloid issue” -wanting us to believe it merits headline status.

Please nail the coffin shut on this one, Jack.
The world is once again shaking its head at the lack of respect in public life - at a time when America purports to be the conscience and defender of all values good???

Dieter
Toronto

I just happen to notice that everyone thinks Rev. Wright coments hold no substence or truth,but all the news anchors are willing to believe the part about Obama pandering. That tells me alot about what hes up against.

Jack let be Honest hear the people that play into this hype of Rev Wright would not vote for Barack Obama anyway so let get that straight this is only a issue because the media has been talking about it people that have to worry about hight a** gas prices don’t care is his pastor said something unless he said he knows how to bring down gas prices so Jack this is just a wedge issue to fool the American public once agian this time we are not going to have it talk about the issues Jack that is all we care about

It has been a distraction because the media jumped on it so much!
Rev Wright is a very self-centered man and had he stopped with the Bill Moyers interview I could have believed him. But his arrogance and willingness to stop this country from having the first African-American president was so evident. SHAME ON HIM!

But here is the question. I go to church every Sunday and don’t always agree with what I hear from the pastor–usually do but not always. That is freedom of religion. Why does the media with all their investigative ways search out who dug up that sermon from 7 years ago and pull out the snippets! That took a lot of investigation and I will never believe anything else than the Clinton machine did it. Let’s see who did it!

It has become increasingly evident that the American public does not desire to be treated honestly, fairly or like adults. Rather than understanding Obama’s view on racial tension in the US through the near historic speech he gave weeks ago, we’d rather hear the media tear him to shreds in a press conference for views that don’t even belong to him, and continue to attribute him with the words coming out of Rev. Wright’s mouth. Wait to go children of America.

Even today, Obama is still claiming that he has never seen this side of Wright, that this is not the Wright he knew. Does anyone really believe Obama didn’t know about this side of Wright after 20 years? This shows such poor judgement on the part of Obama. Having said that I actually feel sorry for Obama that a friend and mentor of 20 years would so blatantly try to hurt him.

I am a 50+ white male, former republican, and I do not agree with Rev White 100%, nor do I agree with my own minister 100%, but I am impressed by his passion. Given his reputation and following, discounting him and the issues he raises, discounting him is a mistake. Let the discussions begin. That can only help Obama with those who truly feel changes are needed.

I went to a rally on my way through Indy the other day and not one person asked about Wright. They asked about health care and gas prices. Lots of other questions pertaining to what is important in their lives. But nothing about Wright. Given that Obama has not taken a nose dive in the polls, I think the only people who seem to still care about this issue is the media.

Let’s be realistic here, from what I’ve heard from Wright, he had succint answers to tough quetions. The fact that white America may still be in denial of the oppresion that continues to this day, and unless you step into the shoes of an African American, you can’t possibly understand the plight they face. I live in Louisville KY, and the blacks are confined to the West side of the city, where there are no jobs and little hope for a future, When you step into a black church you here the frustrations and along with that you here messages that are tailored to instill hope. There are few hopes and role models they can present, but when there is someone within the community that can be singled out as an inspiration to the many suffering people in these neighborhoods It happens, without a doubt, that these people be brought to the forefront as an example. Do all African Americans support Farakan’s veiws..no, but we as a nation must learn to understand the reasons behind the messages that receive airtime on network news in order to understand the true pain that lies behind what you here in soundbites and out of context quotes.The only damage that is being done to the Obama campaign is the uneducated scare tactics that you hear on network news.

Chris
Louisville, KY

More than it should. The media can’t resist a good controversy, and if they have to coax it along, well, that’s part of the fun. We’ve talked about this, thought about this, and it’s turned into mere entertainment for most people at this point. What is entertaining to me is to hear cable news speculate on whether or not his recent speech will be a big deal, when they know full well it will become one if they will it. Rev. Wright should have gotten the 15 minutes of fame that he wanted, and no more.

Justin, Fairmont MN

Dear Jack,
As an independent voter, I try to learn and know the candidates as best as possible in order to make the best possible decision. Nothing could have made my choice easier than to have listened to this debacle play out over the past 72 hours. The clearest line in rev wrights speech yesterday was his characterization of Obama as a typical “politician”. Obama’s entire campaign was and is centered on the idea that he is not a typical politician. An admittance of that fact by someone as close to Obama as Rev Wright speaks volumes to any voter who has thus far bought into Obama’s uniqueness as political candidate.
I believe Rev Wrights speeches have, at least for me, done a great service…. They have shown me that Obama is no different than any other politician seeking public office. If that is the case, I much rather elect a candidate who at least has some substance and experience. Can you spell McCain?
Jason
New York, New York

I think Rev. Wright is now another opponent of Barack Obama is this campaign. Barack’s press conference today showed Barack was visibly sad and hurt that he had to denounce his Pastor’s recent comments and behavior.
This also questions Barack’s credibility. Barack has ran his campaign based on having good judgement and this shows us that after knowing his Pastor for 20 years that he didn’t have the right judgement concerning Rev. Wright. Jack, if his judgement can be blinded by who Rev. Wright is… then what else would he be blinded by during his Presidency?

Scott
Delaware

Why doesn’t the press just stop covering the Reverend? Last night on the National News, mind you, I heard about Miley Cyrus’ photos, the Reverend Wright’s rantings and the continuing nasty battle for the Democratic Presidential nomination, BUT…NOT ONE WORD about the 4 Americans who were killed in Iraq, yesterday. In fact, I didn’t hear the word Iraq mentioned once. What is wrong here? Doesn’t anyone remember or even care that we’re still in an absurd war losing people every day? Today’s news reporting priorities are all screwed up!

Jack,

Maybe it is wishful thinking from someone who would love to see the US elect their first african-American President, but this is a tempest in a teapot. The reality is these are not the views of Barack Obama. Has he heard them in the pews at the church? Yes, he might well have, however, it’s not like he would be able to stand up in mid-sermon to object. As for leaving the church altogether, that isn’t too likely either as many of the views Wright expresses make sense with reference to the black experience in America. Imagine, someone having the nerve to suggest that political power in America has been dominated by rich white guys? Objecting to that statement would be silly if you have ever seen the official portraits collection.

Obama doesn’t get to put words in Wright’s mouth and if he points that out most people should figure out the rest on their own.

Jack you are the greatest anchor who doesn’t allow the producers or the “crowd” dictate to you…..yesterday anderson said obama is having a rally right now “we’re going to monitor it to see if he says anything about rev. wright”…i was disturb because he didn’t say we’ll see what he says about the issues…this is what has taken over our news and it has go to stop….
Those who are looking for a reason to not vote for him will use Rev. Wright as an escape goat. Obama has ran a great campaign and people can’t stand the fact that he’s winning on all levels inspite the controversies. That shows great leadership. The only 3am phone rcvd will go straight to voicemail stating “thank you” because Obama would have solved the crisis 3pm yesterday.

Dang. There goes the chance for Obama to be Vice President. Darn it, now Hillary will have to find a new VP. Oh well, they come and go. The bigger they come the harder they fall…….. Maybe I need to change my hopes.

Now that Obama has come out and talked with the Press about Rev. Wright I think this story should be done. I give Obama even more respect than I did before. He came before us and told us who he is and what he he believes in. This is the type of man that I can look up to and trust as President. This is a man that will tell you like it is. This is the man we need to lead America into a better direction. Hillary can’t do it because we can’t trust her she tells us anything and it’s not always true.

It is hard to believe, after listening to Wright preach for 20 years, that the controversial sermons were only preached when Mr. Obama was absent. You do not spend 20 years listening to a preacher, and not know what his beliefs are. I feel certain Mr. obama does not agree with all that Wright preaches, but the sinister feeling I get from the man(Wright), in just what I have seen, makes me shudder. I think his association with Wright will hurt his campaign. It tells me a lot about Mr. Obama, knowing what he listens to on Sunday mornings.

We will be seeing Rev. Wright Videos until the November Elections.
People that weren’t going to vote for Obama, now have an excuse, other than race.

There will be a small minority that will be swayed by the videos and as the case in any election, enough small minorities make a majority.

Harry
Ky.

It probably will not hurt him much with the North Carolina voters but poor Rev. Wright, Obama not only threw his UNCLE under the bus, but under the car, train and the plane after his latest new conference

Rhetoric aside? Yes I think it’s obvious that it’s hurt his campaign some however not necessarily fatally. If he can firmly distance himself from Wright’s views it need not be something he has to carry forward to the general election.

I belief those who truly belief this country needs a new direction needs to look beyond Rev. Wright and look at the person whose background speaks of a truly United State of America.

If the majority of people reject Obama’s candidacy because of someone else’s faults or beliefs then they surely deserve what they get. Let’s face it if you are in the middle of a Bush and don’t choose to get out then you should also be content to stay there.

In the end ananysis, I think that it was best that this came out early. What I really like about Obama is that he doesn’t throw the people in his life under the bus, even when they might deserve it. This shows a great deal of character. Dr. Wright has now shown that he cares more about himself than his church, his congregation or his country. And Obama has now shown that he cares more about his country, his family and his supporters by cutting ties with his former pastor.

On James Wright: It’s the Media that totally does not get it. Turn the cameras off, quit giving this guy the press, and he’ll go away.
Focus on the issues, and the needs of the American Public.

I’m a 42 year old white blue collar worker who has supported Obama
from day one and will continue to do so to the end. I watched some of the news conf. of Rev. Wright this man made a FOOL of himself.

This man must be paid by the opposition in order to ruin this for Obama. Do hope that this will be overlooked with the primaries coming. People are more intelligent then letting this pastor ruin it for Obama.

jack,

If you and the rest of the media folks had done your job Rev Wright would have been introduced as part Obamas “family” early in the race for the white house - Obama would be out of he picture now - We the people who can not afford the price of gas, health care, rent and food, we all know he can not be elected in the general election. Mc Caine and the republican machine has not even started theeir attacks. Jack it is a sorry day when your paycheck is more important than doing your job.

Pia from NJ

Remember Billy Carter? Hell, remember Billy Sol Estes? Electing somebody president also makes persons that have relationships with the president newsworthy? Such is the case with Rev. Wright. All of a sudden, due to Mr. Obama’s presidential prospects, he’s big news. Do we want to be treated to monthly or so tirades from Rev. Wright for the next 4+ years? He’s certainly proven he’s not going to go away of his own accord. So that’s one thing that voters have to be thinking right now. If you want to ensure that Rev. Wright has a 4-year lease on our national soapbox, then vote for Mr. Obama. If you don’t, then don’t. With respect to Rev. Wright, it’s not any more complicated than that.

Jack,

I’m a black woman about the same age as Rev. Wright, and as I see it the Rev. is trying to hurt and damage Senator Obama. It’s a low down “Dirty” shame. The blacks will still vote for Obama because we know the Rev. is trying to score on Obama because he distant him self from him, plus he has probably been offered big bucks to come out of the closet, book deals, etc. white America must be very confused about Obama at this point. I still believe Obama is the best candidate we have out there. He is a very brilliant man, and if he can pull himself up from this, he will be a powerful president for all Americans.

Rose Wilson

This is entirely on Obama. He either knew this guy well, which is scary: or he didn’t know him well, which is even worse. Obama hurt himself.

Seriously? Why was this a question? Why is this STILL a question

Rev. Wright is not running for public office. He does not speak for Sen. Obama. I do not care if he was Obama’s pastor. he does not control the man’s mind, his views, his beliefs. He does not stand for everything that Sen. Obama stands for; Obama does not stand for everything Rev. Wright stands for.

As I am an intelligent and open-minded individual who thinks for himself, nothing Rev. Wright says could sway me from my support for Obama - that is, if I happened to be supportive of Obama. That is beside the point.

On an additional note, I am a white male in my mid-twenties. I am not particularly religious. I am not particularly partisan. I am not easily swayed in my opinion due to inconsequential nonsense. After listening to the Reverend’s FULL sermons (not just the out-of-context sound bite overplayed by the media) as well as his rather interesting Q&A from a few days ago, I take what he is saying with a grain of salt. He has his points — those I see clearly — and he is free to speak his mind as he chooses. Disagree if you will, agree if you so choose. But the hard-headed ignorance is not coming from him; it’s coming from those who raise such an issue with what is is saying just to simply bring about some sort of non-existent “problem”… it’s ignorance coming from those who are trying to sink Sen. Obama’s campaign due to Rev. Wright’s (often loud) opinions. It’s ignorance brought into light by those who fear something different. It’s pathetic. It’s disgusting that this is an issue on as large of a scale as it’s become.

This nonsense going on is clearly symptomatic of the broken, partisan, disgustingly out-of-date and out-of-touch system that exists in Washington, D.C.

Get over it.

If it walks lke a duck, quacks like a duck, and smells like a duck, it must be a duck. If the voters would really pay attention to Barack Obama’s message and watch his footwork. they would see that he doesn’t share Wright’s opinions. Barack Obama is not a duck.

Im sure if Rev. Write only preached that kind of message they would have more than a few clips to take from. Besides I though there was a separation of church and state in this country. The media needs to get off this topic since rev. Wright is only enjoying the attention in fact its prob. going to make him a lot of money. I am still voting for obama in fact I haven’t meet one person in MI who is not .

Anyone who thinks that anyone who has sat in front of someone for 20 years and listened to them, that they do not think like them or resonate with them are either unconscious or stupid, like attract likes and you are around those that are like yourself and Obama has not cut himself away yet he just denounces what Wright is doing Obama is like Wright all the way .

After Obama’s rebuttle today, Not much. Rev Wright did not act very Christian over the last few days. Obama tried to show Rev Wright undertanding and love as a human being and as a Christian and the Rev just flat out disrepected him. Rev Wright should have apologized to the American people and to Obama. I believe the Rev felt left out from Obama’s rise and his ego could not take it. Some times you think you know people and they turn into a pumpkin. Obama is a standup guy and anyone who continues to blame Obama for this Rev needs to check their human decency and values.

Jack,

I’m a Christian and don’t want to disrepect the Reverend, but it appears to me he is all about him self, money and fame. It is so sad. He should have just stayed in the closet for at least 10 years. I hope white America don’t take this “pitiful” situation out on Senator Obama, who has done nothing but try to unite this country, and solve the problems for all Americans. Senator Obama is a brillant and good person. I’m a black woman, and I’m very upset with Rev. Wright. He acts like he has lost his mind. I think Obama stayed in that church so long because he loved the congregation and other things going on there, as I do my church.

Rose / Las Vegas, NV

Reverend Wright deserves to be thrown under the bus!
I am a Republican and have not been for Mr. Obama until his speech today–commendable under the fire of the press. For the first time, I thought that he just might be able to lead this country in a NEW direction………he performed very well under the stress of adversity.

Wright has made it impossible for Obama to become President
PERIOD. Obama’s unwillingness to cut ties completely at any time over the past 20 years only goes to show his poor decission making ability. If not for the biased press, he would have been out of the race a long time ago

Come on now ! Birds of a Feather Flock together.
Jeremiah Wright is nuts and the fact Obama did not know that goes to his “judgement”.
Jack

This is just one good thing that a prolonged primary has resulted in. We are knowing more about a relatively unknown candidate. Better now than later. Hooray for our wise system of choosing a candidate!

Rev. Wright said he was defending the African American church. Rev. Wright said this was not about Obama. Many attendees of the NAACP event cheered Wright’s speech. One man, three events, three speeches/deliveries. Obama says he made a spectacle of himself during the Press Club. As Americans, especially African Americans, do we side with Wright and the African American church or Obama and the spectacle? Is my decision based on Nov. 5 or irrespective of the 5th? Nov. 6th and beyond will come?

Also, if you follow the theory that the judgement of Obama should not be held accountable for what is said or done by Wright, do you then agree that unless the words or actions come from the candidates themselves, America should not hold any of the candidates accountable for what is said or done by anyone they know or with whom they have an association. Fair is fair for one and for all.

I believe it has damaged him a great deal. Most Americans knew after seeing the Rev., just what he stood for. I watched Obama’s speech today denouncing the Rev. I want to believe Obama, but I feel it may be too late. I cannot vote for Hillary. It will be between Obama and McCain. The race issue bothers me greatly and “birds of a feather flock together.” The country is in terrible shape right now. The congress keeps blaming the President and do not want to accept the blame for their part in this big mess. Schumer from New York is a perfect example. He never accepts blame for anything, but lays blame on any Republican. We need some new “blood in Washington,” especially in the Senate.

I love Reverend Wright, I am a white American who is a McCain supporter. He is doing a great job! Keep up the good work for the Democrats!

What a tangled web we weave….Obama should have come clean two months ago and got rid of this joker. Better yet…20 years ago.

Sadly, the Rev Wright controversy doesn’t hurt Obama at all…it gives him street cred. These were people concerned that he wasn’t black enough. But with moderate white voters, Obama’s support is slipping away.

This issue is not the issue that we should be talking about.I beleiev that Obama has answered the questions.Lets get onto the real issues.

Thanks to the media, Rev. Wright was given way too much exposure from the very beginning of the issue. Obama denounced Wright and that should have been it. Having a huge ego and being an opportunist, Wright found he loved being in the spotlight and it didn’t take much for the media to put him back on the screen. Hopefully most people will see the situation for what it is and ignore Wright.

Maybe not as much damage as one might think. Obama has already denounced the soundbite remarks of Wright, repeatedly, and will surely now make a stronger objection to his latest outpourings. This really is not Obama’s fault and sensible voters will see that. If the media continues to infer that there is more fire than smoke they may well fuel a revolt by decent Americans against the other candidates. Hillary is wise to be keeping out of this.

Jeremiah was a bullfrog,
Was a good friend of Obama.
Never understood a single word he said
but he sure caused a lot of drama.

Jack,

Obama was able to overcome the reprehensible Rev Wright, unbelieveable as that may seem. The pastor only hurts his chances in a general election.

What has killed Obama and his chances of beating Hillary were his mocking words for all the chuch goers and gun owners of this country.
Obama is done!! You can put a fork in him now!!!

I find it disgusting that we are now voting on a president based purely on whether or not their “pastor” is excitable. What kind of crazy is being preached at your church, I know my pastor’s brand would be offensive to certain groups. Church’s are not, by definition, polictically correct. If the were, we wouldn’t need separation of church and state.

In any event, this is what pastors/priests do, they throw red meat to their “base” (the congregation) to get them riled up and give more money. Just like politicians say offensive things (depending on your party) to rile up their base (voters) to get them to give more money. And just like news media says or replays (over and over again) offensive things to get the viewers riled up and give more money (in the form of ratings). It absolutely nothing to do with a candidate’s ability to lead and everything to do with money, what a joke!

You will know next Tuesday when the votes from North Carolina come in. If he can somehow overcome the tirades of his own pastor, he may still hang on to win, but if this was at the beginning to the primary season when this happened, Obama would not be in the hunt.

Wright has caused us the presidency. As a black women I am horrified and will not vote in the general election once Obama is no longer in it.

Rev. Wright’s comments does not change my mind about Obama. I will vote for him in the general election if he is the Democratic nominee.

However, I do believe that Obama has been damaged by Pastor Wright’s comments. No matter how much Obama denounced the rhetoric and try to separate himself from the pastor, he will always be linked to Pastor Wright. Whenever Reverend Wright’s name is mentioned in the media, he is “Obama’s former Pastor, Reverend Wright”. How about Reverend Wright, former Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ? Ummm…then it wouldn’t be a story.

Jack,
I hope that this will end the nuttiness asscociated with this……….Please !!! The value of Obama to this country far exceeds any nobleness that he may tried to previously extend to the Reverend. Especially when WRIGHT threw him under the bus yesterday. Let’s get on with the voting and nomination process. Go Obama !!!

IRREPUTABLE DAMAGE…..Additionally, Obama would not have the electoral votes he now has had all this opened up before most of the primaries. He’s got a lot of explaining to do—and I doubt that helps when he associates himself with people like Wright and others.

Barb Wilt
Woodbury, PA

He’s hurting not only Obama, but race relations in general. We’re not perfect in this country, Lord knows we understand that, but we’ve made progress. Listening to Wright mimic (poorly) Pres Kennedy, make inflammatory comments, and continue to apparently try to inflame white people, has to make one wonder what his agenda is? He’s done more to make race an issue than McCain or Clinton could ever do. As for Obama, yesterday Wright was still the friendly old uncle, member of the family for 20 years - now today, when theres an uproar over Wrights’ comments, he’s suddenly outraged. Sorry, you can’t change over night, he’s been with Wright and listened to his talk for 20 years, picked him as Spiritual Advisor to his campaign, it just seems to create a huge credibility issue. People of all color, and especially black Americans, should want their first President of color to be someone they can believe in - not vote for him just because he’s the first to run - progress comes through trust - It’s missing

He may be very well telling the truth about Obama.

I just now watched Obama on CNN talking about Wright. He paused a lot, and stumbled over words.

We may be finding out about the real Obama.

I would rather know now, than later.

If your pastor is envious of you in trying to better yourself, who can you turn to???

Sheryl
Born in PA

I think that Wright is the kind of black man that brings bad things to the black people overall and I believe that Obama is just the opposite. I do think that Wright has probably been able to many good things within his congregation and has reached out to help people in need. I also think that there are parts of his message that are truly good however he says them in such an inflamatory way that it turns to bad if you aren’t used to his kind of preadching and most white people aren’t. Since I will never vote for Hillary and I strongly support Obama, my position hasn’t changed. I do feel sorry for Obama since he has tried to support this man and at the same time distance himself from many of his comments. Obama’s message was the same before he decided to run for president. We need to put this behind us.

Unfortunately, we are just now getting to know the Reverend Wright that Senator Obama fiercely defended until recently. Now that Wright’s continuing comments are hurting Senator Obama’s campaign, he has been forced to speak outpublicly and denounce those recent comments. Why didn’t he speak out during the more than 20 years he sat in the Church? Why didn’t he speak out until Wright’s racial hatred was finally (and very late in the campaign) exposed by the media? I believe this harpoons a big part of Senator Obama’s campaign rhetoric - that he is the best candidate based on judgement. So much for that!

Very much. It will not go away- Now or in November. As much as people want to argue that you can’t connect the two… it’s impossible not to.

Obama’s press conference today showed how strong of a leader he will be. He dealt with the issue head on, no posturing, no spin and no ducking of sniper fire.

I’m of a believe, Rev. Wright has helped the Obama campaign, in that the issue is being dealt with in April versus November. Finally, we might see an end to the never ending sound bytes and talk about the issues affecting the people.

In addition, Obama today showed America why he’s so special. When was the last time, a President came forward, admitted a problem and dealt with it head on with honesty, compassion and straight talk. We’ve been so conditioned to the constant spin, it’s refreshing to see.

Obama today, also dealth with an issue of whether he’s strong. There should be no question about that in the future either.

The only reason Obama is denying pastor Wright because he knows he is losing votes. He is a traitor. How can pastor Wright be is friend for over 20 years and all of a sudden…..gone. This is only a political decision. He should be ashame of himself. This man is not ready to be President.

Jack
Watching Obama speak today he sounded as if Wright had amnesia and was saying all these hate remarks just recently when this guy has been saying the same thing for the last 20years .I was a Obama supporter but not now .Wright married the Obamas plus he was on Obama ’s campaign till a few months ago .Does Obama think Americans are that stupid he ’s acting like Bush more everyday .Obama listened to this guy for 20years which explains some of the negative remarks his wife has made in the past .If this election has became racial it because the Obamas have played a big part of it .We will soon find out later that he was at alot of Mr.Wrights sermons and enjoyed them .

I feel that Wright has hurt it more than it should have, but I do respect Rev. Wright’s freedom of speech. I do, however, feel that Rev Wright shouldn’t have done three public appearances within three days when Obama is still running hard to win the nominee.

I still plan to vote for Barack and the media should stop giving the Reverend air time.

Nothing that Rev. Wright is saying is wrong or surprising. Rev. Wright explains the context of what he was saying and why his role as a black preacher does not have a link to Obama’s role as a politician. Obama is just playing the role that white people expect, which is to denounce any
discussion of white privilege. Obama doesn’t have a choice if he doesn’t want to tick off white people.

New Haven, CT

I think there’s huge double standard in the coverage of Senator Obama and Rev. Wright. Why is it that we tend to judge Senator Obama on the basis of people he may have associated with, but we don’t judge Senator McCain or Senator Clinton the same way? The irony is that Senator McCain has solicited the support of Rev. Pat Robertson, whose views on 9/11 ( the U.S. had it coming) are as inflammatory as Rev. Wright’s.

What does it say about his (Obama) judgement when he spends 20 years in the church and was married by this man. If this is an example of his judgement, then I don’t think he’s fit to run the U.S.A.
When the president has to make judgement calls all the time, I feel that Mr. Obama needs to get some more experience; the job of President requires experience and judgement on Day 1, not On-the-job training.

Enough of Rev. Wright already. Rev. Wright obviously has an agends that his is pushing, using his association with Sen. Obama to so and the media is giving him a platform.

He has done a great deal of harm to Obam’s campaign. As someone who was supposed to be the non-typical politician, he is suddenly looking very typical. As one who accusses others of “saying anything to get elected”, he now seems to be saying anything to get elected.

Jack
Des Moines, IA

Since Obama’s campaign is about judgement and character, the only sense of judgement and character we can have from him is his associations with Pastor Wright, Rezko, and Bill Ayers. It is his poor judgement to be associating himself with these people which brings into question about what he’ll do as president, and what judgement will he use to choose his cabinet members. This hurts him. It might not hurt too much now within the democratic party, but in the general election, it will be devastating.

Jack

The damage that Mr wright has inflicted upon Barack Obama is probably going to cost America one of the finest President ever not elected ! This is the reason why we as a people strive for separation of church and state. Holy men are only ordained for spiritual leadership. Politicians should not delve into Gay Marriages, Stem Cell research or Abortion. Further Our school system has beeen destoyed by social isssues that have nothing to do with EDUCATION. The irony is that a former minister has done severe damage to the progress of race relations in America

Unfortunately, this political “drama” is playing out as I suspected it would. As much as Senator Obama and his campaign envision an America where everyone embraces one another, it doesn’t exist. This whole process has reinforced my opinion that the United States IS NOT ready for a non - white President . It is a nice dream. but a dream none the less.

Rev. Wright is speaking for himself - not Obama. There are folks out there who are taking this thing and running with it just to destroy Obama (we all know who is behind this). My loyalty stays with Obama because I believe he is the only candidate who can get this country out of the mess it’s in. YES WE CAN!!!!!

I’m sick and tired of hearing his name, you guys are giving him way too much credit. Every single candidate, from Romney to McCain to Clinton condemned his statements and claimed that he does not reflect the views of Obama and that Obama is a decent and patriotic American. Yet they still use the story as a political advantage which embodies hypocrisy and dishonesty.ANyone intelligent will tell you that Wright is a hypocrite who simply is not ready for a Black president .He is trying to hurt Obama and its obvious! He was hurt that Obama would condemn his words and he did all he could to aggravate the case and cost him votes. No one can doubt at this point that there is no association between the 2. I hate Wright such as anybody else who wants to use this tragic event to sharpen divisions and exploit it as a political advantage.

As I type I am watching Obama ’s speak about yesterdays comments from Rev.Wright . I am even more sure that voting for Obama is the correct thing to do and I wish you, the media, would stop making Rev Wright so much in the spotlight. He doesn’t deserve it and nor do any of us want to hear anything Rev Wright has to say .

I will say it again folks, if Obama is the Democratic candidate, Then Hello President McCain. If you think Middle American is going to vote for a person so strongly associated with hate mongering reverend, then you are dreaming. If you look at where Obama and Clinton stand, they are 90-95% identical. This has becomes a popularity contest, yielding irrational voting behavior. People will vote with their anger not their head. I will say it again and again. Obama = President McCain. Obama backers won’t vote for Hillary, and Hillary voters won’t vote for Obama. It doesn’t matter what they say publicly. God have mercy on us all.

Wright has derailed the Obama locomotive not only off the tracks but down the cliff. There is simply no way the man can win the general election and all democrats should rally around Hillary as she is obviously the only remaining choice. A lot of my Democratic friends who are STRONG democrats will not vote for him. Where is John Edwards when you need him? IS it too late to bring Johnny B. Goode to the convention???

My understanding is that Rev. Wright had associations with quite a number of presidents in the past — including with Bill Clinton. Maybe the association wasn’t as close as it was with Obama, but it was there nonetheless. If the press is going to continue it’s coverage of Rev Wright why don’t you report on his previous associations with Presidents (going back at least to LBJ). Then it would make is clearer that other people of judgment also found him to be worthy of their association.

The media continues to play this thing up which means that Obama has to respond. It is a perfect example of the medias infatuation creating human wreckage that it can then condemn and tut tut. You the media owe the American people an investigation into real issues, but instead you play into the worst characteristics of Americans…dividing us by race gender and locality.

I got to laugh. Obama is being used and he cant see it. I was going to vote for the guy but no more. Obama should have tossed the guy under the bus the first time he had a chance.

Its shocking Obama held this clown in high esteam.

Obama cant control this situation then how will he perform in the oval office. He’s done.

I believe Obama is going to be O.K..It must be hard for him to see his old pastor having a mental problem and then he has to answer to the world the rantings of rev. wright.

The media (Wall Strret) does not want Barack as president, so anything they can find, they will use. The media, all of it, does not report the news, remember Iraq? What about the meeting yeasterday with Congress concerning our boys and filth and trash they have to put up with? We are paying for it, dearly,and this media says nothing.But, by golly, Rev. Wright sure did hit front page. My question, Jack, are you allowed to report what goes on in Iraq anf Afghanistan? Remember the war? How many died today, or yesterday? Oh no, Rev. Wright is more important.