Will Pres. Bush or Rev. Wright cause more damage?
George W. Bush may do as much damage to John McCain's chances of being elected as Jeremiah Wright does to Barack Obama's, according to results of a recent USA Today/Gallup poll. Click the Play Button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say.(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Turns out President Bush might do more damage to John McCain's campaign than the Reverend Jeremiah Wright does to Barack Obama's.
A new USA Today/Gallup poll finds 38% of likely voters say McCain's ties to the president make them less likely to vote for the presumptive nominee in November. 33% says Obama's relationship with Wright has the same effect.
However, there is more of an upside when it comes to the relationship with President Bush, with 7% of those surveyed saying they're more likely to vote for McCain because of his association with Mr. Bush. That's compared to only 1% who say they're more likely to vote for Obama because of Wright.
The pollsters say it's also important to look at how these personal associations affect the candidates among their bases. If you do that, it looks like Wright may do more harm to Obama. That's because 19% of Democrats say they're less likely to vote for Obama because of his ties to Wright, while just 10% of Republicans say they're less likely to vote for McCain because of his ties to President Bush.
However, among the general electorate, the two appear to do the same amount of damage. In particular, President Bush may hurt McCain's ability to attract Democrats and independents.
Here’s my question to you: Which is more damaging to the campaigns: President Bush's relationship with John McCain or Reverend Wright's association with Barack Obama?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dave from Houston writes:
Bush is the bigger albatross. Barack Obama and John McCain are running for president, not archbishop. The fact that McCain has constantly supported Bush on illegal and controversial policies is much more damning than the sermons of Wright. Obama is not some googly-eyed party boy who is under the Svengali-like influence of a severe older man (see Bush-Cheney). He has a powerful intellect and knows where to accept Wright's ideas and where to reject them. McCain, on the other hand, stands wherever it is politically expedient at the moment.
Scott from Billings, Montana writes:
Jack, Rev. Wright gave some speeches. Bush and his cronies lied to America and the result of that lie is over 4,000 dead American soldiers plus thousands more wounded. The answer is obvious: The Wright issue is over; soldiers are still dying.
Mark from Asheville, North Carolina writes:
Rev. Wright, by a mile! After Denver, he will appear in numerous attack ads, aimed at voters who aren’t even paying attention now. The ads will be enormously effective, just like the Willie Horton ad that sank Dukakis. All the Republicans will need is to peel off ONE Blue State, and it's over.
R. from New Hampshire writes:
Jack, Since McCain's favorite Pastor Hagee has called the Catholic Church the "Great Whore", I would think the pastor debate between the two might come off as a tie. That being said, Bush is the tie-breaker and McCain the loser.
Jackson from Rome, Georgia writes:
At my current level of disgust for the Republican Party, I'd seriously consider voting for Reverend Wright himself before I voted for another Republican.
Drew from Florida writes:
Bush hands down. Wright has no real power. Bush has been damaging America for two terms. His list is far too large to post here. Report on something we don't know, please.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Rev. Wright is a done deal, no one cares about Rev. Wright anymore. Sen. Obama has cut ties with him so who cares about Rev. Wright.
Bush's relationship with will cause him more harm ,oh well I just hope he keeps supporting the Bush dream ,that said we need change in this country ,and Obama will give us that change.
Which is worse? Since when does an association with ones pastor cause damage? Don't we have a separation of Church and State in America?
I personally feel that the people making the major dust up about Rev. Wright were also people who called Obama a Muslim and other smears. They are using Rev. Wright as their new reason not to support Obama.
So no, I think any sane person would not say Rev. Wright could cause more damage. More negative entertainment, but not damage. However regarding Bush, he has already caused enough tangible damage to this country that any relationship with Bush really is not a positive factor going forward.
Jack,
I can't undersand the need to pull Rev. Wright back into the news. Obama completely and publicly denounced, reputiated and rejected any and all questionable statements that were made by the reverend. He should no longer be an issue.
President Bush on the other hand is a different story. I frown every time I see that there was another soldier lost over in Iraq and think of the BILLIONS of dollars spent for no valid reason.
Jack,
The last time I checked, the good ole Rev. had absolutely nothing to do with the wars or the price of gas. If we elect McCain, it will be called Bush-The Sequel. I think Bush does more to hurt McCain than the Rev.
Bush in a mud-slide. However, Wright will hurt Obama severely.
George W. Bush has overseen the most shameful administration in memory. He started a war of choice which has caused an obscene number of unnecessary deaths and continued suffering for millions. Our economic situation has never been more dire thanks to his irresponsible borrow and spend policies. The Constitution has been ignored and we're as close to a dictatorship as we've ever been. On the other hand, Reverend Wright preached some fiery sermons and said some words that made people angry. Does anyone really have to think about this question?
I personally think that Rev. Wright is worse for Sen. Obama. It is hard to disassociate yourself from someone that you have listened to for 20 years and called him your mentor. Sen. McClain won't have as much trouble disassociating himself from Bush since he has actually gone against him at times. We democrats are going to have a battle royal come November.
It depends on your party affiliation. Democrats hate bush and republicans can't wait to use Rev. Wright. I want an election that focuses on the qualifications of the candidates not on who they happen to know. Just think what life would be like if getting a job,being admitted to school or getting a loan depended on who we know or what someone said instead of our own qualifications.We would have to make sure that we don't know anyone at all. Wouldn't that make for a wonderful life.
All Rev. Wright did was exercise his First Amendment rights. Bush is leaving this country in shambles.
Easy answer: President Bush's relationship with Sen McCain has cost us over 4,000 American deaths, not to mention the thousands critically wounded and the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi men, women and children who longer have their chance at life in a country that has been dismantled...and for what? Reverend Wright's relationship with Sen Obama has resulted in some nasty rhetoric. Only a fool would feel that the Wright-Obama association is worse.
bush is worse.at least rev. wright spoke some truths.bush is responsible for 4050+ american lives in iraq.rev. wright has saved that many lives with his fights against poverty and aids ,in africa,and here in america.
Comon Jack; McCain promised us more of George Bush. Obamma didn't promise us anymore of Wright. That sho;uld take care of it.
Jack
Its a neck and neck race, both of them should keep their mouths shut till after the election. If anyone out there listens to these two they should have their heads examined.
I would rather put up with Rev, Wright's comments then live with the next several years of problems that President Bush has created. The country has to understand that Obama's character has not been damaged by the words of Rev. Wright, but that we will be in further peril if John McCain is elected.
Is this a joke question? Reverend Wright wasn't the one who ignored the bipartisan report warning of terrorism using planes as weapons. Reverend Wright never started a war based on faulty information. Reverend Wright never handed the American taxpayers a multi-trillion dollar deficit to pay off. Reverend Wright never deliberately leaked the name of a CIA spy. Reverend Wright never hired his fraternity buddies to manage FEMA. Reverend Wright wasn't a member of the oil club who took over Washington in 2000, back when gas was two dollars a gallon.
Bush and McCain. It will reflect more oft he same.With Obama and his former pastor,not necessarily since Obama's not responsible for whatever the pastor says from his own mouth.
Jack,
President Bush and his policies will continue to cause damage long after he's left the White House. As for Reverend Wright, I'm sure the GOP Dirty Tricks Machine are already busy working on Obama's "Swift Boat" ads. Even thought guilt by association went out of style with Joe McCarthy they are going to make Obama's his brother's keeper when it comes to Reverend Wright.
Michael In Skowhegan Maine
I think that Pres. Bush will be more of a hindrance for Senator McCain than Rev Wright will be for Senator Obama. Rev Wright did not put this country in a recession, that's all Bush. If McCain keeps spouting Bush's policy, then most logical thinking American's will vote for Obama.
Both McCain and Obama would probably like to distance themselves from these relationships. But put it in proper perspective. Rev. Wright was a 60-second blip on YouTube and until then, nobody had ever heard of him, much less cared about what he preached. President Bush, on the other hand, has been in a position to affect every American drastically. And look where we are now! Evidently McCain thinks, "that's fine... we're better off than we were eight years ago."
Years from now, we may be saying, "Rev. Who?" No such luck forgetting the Bush years. We'll be paying for them forever.
Mac Ray
Coconut Creek, FL
Rev Wright by a mile. After Denver he will appear in numerous attack ads, aimed at voters who aren't even paying attention now, and the ads will be enormously effective, just as the Willie Horton ad sank Dukakis. Obama will face many such ads, not only about Wright, but Ayers, and whatever else is dug up or made up bewteen now and then. As a candidate he is far more flawed than Dukakis was.
Jack, after reading dozens of other blogs in the blog-o-sphere, the only person who will get the brunt of the bad press will undoubtedly be McCain: America is fed up to their eyeballs with Bush & Cheney's disasterous terms in the Oval office and DEMAND change from that "mentality". Problem for McCAin is that he's supported those 2 anti-Christs and their "policies" too strongly for too long! Thus, "guilt-by-association" does NOT apply.
The majority of American's understand that Rev. Wright is a problem unto himself, and not Obama, at this stage!
The answer is obvious. Rev Wright isn't a politician. He has not and will not make laws or influence our economy, war,etc..McCain on the other hand is trying to win the Rep leaders and the voters. He can't go forward without the backing of his party so guess what, he'll have to run as Bush's 3rd term to get that. Another Bush administration would be deadly to this country.
They're both going to be a liability but in the end I see Bush hurting McCain more then Wright will Obama. Even with the Wright controversy evangelical leaders are still looking at Obama with a sense of hope and change, even if their social issues aren't perfectly aligned. McCain's connection to the ugliness his pastor has preached about Katrina will come into play as well as his voting records as supremely pro Bush. McCain won't be able to escape his truisms of aligning himself with a pastor who applauds Gods "choice" in New Orleans, voting with Bush to deny funding to the victims, and spending the first day of Katrina with Bush celebrating his own birthday. The Media has refused to get this message out but the Obama fund raising machine will not be as accommodating.
Patrick, Iowa
Wrightgate is much worse Jack. With no real record, Obama can only run on his suposedly superior judgement. Spending 20 years in the pew listening to that wacko shoots his judgement argument to pieces. He hasn't got a second argument.
Jack, that's a tough one, but I'll put my money on, the candidate that has the unfortunate burden of having associated with a person who will be known as the worst leader of the free world, that we've ever had.
Of course Bush could hurt McCain, but McCain can show a history of differing with Bush.
Unfortunately for Obama, Wright was HIS minister for 20 years and ONLY after his political future was in doubt, did he distance himself from Wright. The ties were not completely broken until weeks later. He will be an easy target, when he speaks of that 3am judgement.
Not even Bush and Hagee, have the impact on McCain, that Wright will have on Obama.
Harry
Ky.
I think the record of George Bush is much more damaging. Often I wonder how Bush and/or Cheney have avoided impeachment.
Reverend Wright is just a minor issue–certainly didn't change my views on anything. Republicans since Richard Nixon have wrapped themselves in the flag and consider those who don't unpatriotic. Never have I seen our country in such a bad state–in a war we can never win and should not have fought in the first place, job losses, high gas and food prices, bad image in the world, etc. No wonder thinking people see the promise and hope that Barack Obama brings to the voters. What do the Republicans have to offer except more of the same–rich getting richer and middle class going down the tubes!
Simple, Reverend Wright is a loud mouthed attention seeker with no real power. GWB has more than doubled our debt, mismanaged a war we never should have started, Ruined our reputation in the world community, Allowed big business to run rough shod over the American people and the American economy, encouraged the outsourcing of jobs, ignored evidence of global warming, refused to encourage alternative energy in any meaningful way. It seems like it should be an easy choice as to who will cause more damage. But never underestimate the gullibility of the American public, after all people are still supporting Hillary.
I'd have to flip a coin Jack. They both raise my eye brows. I guess if I were to choose it would be Wrights association with Barak. No matter how hard I try I can't believe Senator Obama never heard a word he was saying at his Sunday sermons for 20 years.
Larry in Florida
I believe President bush will hurt Senator McCain more than Reverend Wright will hurt Senator Obama Jack. The only people still in a frenzy about the reprehensible reverend are Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and the rest of those "unbiased" folks at Fox News. The audience that is listening to these people has already made up their minds about how they will vote so the feeding frenzy of "newscasters" like these will not impact the election. President bush on the other hand is hurting Senator McCain anew every time another soldier dies in Iraq, and every time the price of gas goes up again, and every time news of our failing economy hits the airwaves, and every time another corrupt or hypocrytical republican gets caught up in scandel. John McCain is joined at the hip with the most despised and inept administration in this country's political history , and nothing can fix that.
Jack,
I think if a poll were taken, more people think that George Bush is much more damaging than the Reverend Idiot would ever be. The Reverend,s influence on the American people is limited to those who choose to listen to him. President Bush's influence is something we are all forced to deal with daily.
Jenny Rome GA
Bush relationship to McCain, simply stated, McCain is a third Bush term and nobody wants a third Bush term.
president bush....his deserved low ratings and how he has destroyed this country both economically and internationally will damage any republican candidate...this is why no decent republican wanted to run in this election
If you are going to base you vote on a previous association, you are a fool. Obama has from the get-go voiced his opposition to any inflammatory rhetoretic from Rev Wright. McCain has previously been very critical of many of the position of George Bush. We would be a lot better off today if McCain had been the Presdident. We will be a lot better off next year if Obama is the President.
Bush and McBush, without a doubt.
Skipping over McCain's rather obvious problem with pastors like Hagee and Parsley, one really has to question McCain's lack of judgment when it comes to associating with Bush *on purpose* I mean... if you can't avoid it, well, some sympathy could be offered... but he seeks out the relationship.
Anyone with half a brain should know that more of Bush is exactly what the American public DOESN'T want. What does that say about McCain's judgment?
He's too old and his temperment isn't presidential. There are many war heroes to choose from. Why pick this one? What redeeming qualities could he offer? NONE.
I'm not sure which is worse – McCain's problem with Bush comes mainly from just party association – Bush wasn't McCain's spiritual advisor. On the other hand, people are considerably more disappointed with Bush than with Wright, and McCain is already being called "McBush". Let's just hope that the campaign turns on the issues instead of associations.
Out of sight out of mind. please no more questions and lets put this to bed with all the other hate and concentrate on healing us and get ourselves out of this mess that Bush put us in,
Hands down President Bush, He and the Republicans are the reason this country is in the shape it is in. Reverend Wright is just one person going around saying whatever he wants to say but it does not affect the country – never have and never will.
Let's try that again
If you are going to base you vote on a previous association, you are a fool. Obama has from the get-go voiced his opposition to any inflammatory rhetoric from Rev Wright. McCain has previously been very critical of many of the position of George Bush. We would be a lot better off today if McCain had been the President. We will be a lot better off next year if Obama is the President.
Rev. Wright's actions have not effected me at all, but President Bush's policies have changed my life and not for the better. Which of the 2 do you think I will view as worse?
Dear Jack,
The Rev. Wright's sermons and string of interviews are more easily packaged for attack ads and the like, but this whole controversy is playing out in the spring. By late October, it will no longer be possible to turn the pastor into the next Willie Horton: the surprise factor is gone. Unless someone can legitimately pin Iraq, Katrina, Guantanamo, the falling dollar, the credit meltdown, etc., on the minister, I suspect that the name Wright will live on only in the blathering of the extreme right, who wouldn't vote for Mr. Obama anyway.
Voter turnout proves that this Presidential election is about America recovering from the mess brought on by the current Administration. John McCain is about making more of a mess.
Obama has publicly denounced the personal viewpoints of Rev. Jeremiah Wright while McCain embraces the same mistakes that got us where we are.
Obama is comfortably pitching a no hitter while McCain wanders around deep right field waiting for a hit.
Rev. Wright has said a series of dumb things, annoying the public. The president has committed this country to a dumb war, killing thousands of our own people and ten to hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.
I don't know about you Jack, but I'd rather be annoyed then dead.
Jack,
Since Rev. Wright hasn't been part of the worst foreign policy blunder in American histroy and has nothing to do with how fast our economy is slipping into the toilet, I'd imagine Bush's reputation will do more harm to McCain than Wright could ever do to Obama's campaign.
Let's look at this. Bush took us into an illegal war in Iraq, destroyed the economy, our civil liberties and Habeas Corpus Can't begin to list the episodes of corruption and incompetence in his administration.
Jeremiah Wright gave a crazy speech.
This is a no-brainer. The toxicity of association with Bush far outweighs the Jeremiah Wright connection.
Rev. Wright is more damaging than President Bush. Since Obama had every right to choose his church and pastor, he could have left that church and found one with a positive message but he chose not to. With respect to Bush, we've only had 8 years of him; Obama had 20 plus years of Wright.
Jack
Please remind me again, what were the major bills in Congress
that Rev. Wright voted on?
Also was it President Bush that started that long ago war in iraq?
Jerry
Roselle, Illinois
If there is a shred of logic left in the world, clearly Bush would sink McSame’s campaign as surely as a millstone around his neck. But logic was shredded, along with our Constitution, over the last 8 years, so you can bet that the Right’s Wright Swift Boat will be firing torpedoes at Obama’s ship and Obama will be as successfully defeated as Kerry. Don’t forget, there are still about 100 million brain-dead who still think Bush is the greatest president ever and 60% of them can and will vote – for McSame.
President Bush and the Republican strategy of trying to force or influence other sovereign nations to accept their ideology should result in McCain losing the November election in a land slide.
McCain just announced his intention to do eveything in his power to implement freedom of religion world wide and will only serve to galvanize the terrorists and aide them in their recruiting for their cause. This aspect of McCain's platform should receive ten times the news coverage than what Rev Wright received because these tactics are a large part of what has put the U.S. where it is at present both domestically and world wide.
On the other hand Reverand Wright is just allowing his past experiences to poison his thinking process and most people are smart enough to realize his ideas have nothing to do with Obama's candidacy.
Bush still has constituents that McCain needs to support his candidacy. I'd say that puts McCain in a direct line of fire and could prove very damaging. Barack Obama on the other hand doesn't need Rev. Wright for anything, other than his vote maybe, because the ties have been severed.
President Bush will continue to be in the bully pulpit while Reverend Wright is retired from his platform- he is passe. McCain will continually remind us that he wants to make Bush's tax cuts permanent, and stay in Iraq, permanently. So long as the Reverend is not provided a platform for his disgusting antics by cable networks longing to make controversy, there is no question that McCain will be hurt more by his relationship with Bush.
From what I hear the big news has not broken yet, and it will be devastating for Barack!!!!
Let me start by saying that I'm an Obama supporter. On a personal level, Rev. Wright would be worse. However, Rev. Wright, his ideas, and the supporters of his ideas have no traction whatsoever in determining the policies of the United States government. President Bush, on the other hand, is the executor of a larger right-wing agenda that has achieved real "success" in the last eight years – by their own definition.
I think enough voters refuse to sit idly by as the "new conservative" agenda ruins this country even further.
P.S.
I use the term "new conservative" in order to distinguish between what I thought being conservative meant five years ago when I turned 18 and what I see it has become.
Rev Wright has said a lot of dumb things – that said, when you take his speech apart, you can find a great deal of substance, and yes truth. George Bush never told a true thing in his life that I have heard. The general public sometimes prefer to listen to lies.
JS North Carolina
We have had George Bush for almost 8 years now and the economy is in the worst shape it has ever been in and of course we have the Iraq war. Rev. Wright is not in politics, he is just a crazy old man who had his time in the spot light, he enjoyed it and tried to make the most of it. I think we know who did the most damage. Rev.Wright only hurts Obama, George Bush is hurting everyone including John McCain.
Jack, I think Wright's association with Obama is worse than McCain's is with Bush.
McCain has long had a reputation as having an independent streak, sometimes being called a maverick within his own party. He has, at times, been in disagreement with Bush on many issues and policies, and has been able to communicate that without being critical of the man.
Unlike, Bush, Obama has not seemed forthright on his relationship with Wright, defended him when first challenged, then tried to distance himself only for political expediency.
The issues are different, too. McCain differs with Bush on policies or implementation, which most people can identify with. But Wright's and Obama's problems are caused by seeming to agree on different levels of anti-Americanism and terrible judgment, factors which take on a higher level of concern for the American people. Not to mention that Obama has handled these questions in the political manner in which he states he deplores, which challenges his honesty.
Bud Curtis
Miami, OK
President Bush should do more damage than Rev Wright because he has done ACTUAL damage, where as Wright just spoke some words.
However, low information voters will be more influenced by rumors and innuendo than by facts. I find this disappointing, but that's the way it is. But the good news is that these voters seem to be concentrated in a few states, so the damage to Obama will be minimal.
you need to throw Bill Clinton in there for Hillary. He caused the most harm and her the nomination. it started back in South Carolina....it threw my vote and many olthers to Obama.
Jack,
I would hope that Americans (hard working whites included) would be less concerned over the racist comments of Rev. Wright than the harmful policies of President Wrong.
Bush will do way more damage. He's slowly torn down this country over the last 7 years, whereas Wright was just a kookie guy looking for his 15 minutes, and most people knew that. Anyone running for any office, no matter which party or at what level, will be best served by distancing him or herself from the current president.
Boise, Idaho
Bush is more damaging. Clinton supporters are currently unable to see beyond the tips of their noses so they always say they will not vote for Obama or that Wright will hurt Obama so it shows up in the polls.
As soon as Hillary is out of the race, the country and the world will be able to take a huge breath and then release it, and everyone will see for the first time since Bush took office that America is back on track to becoming a great leader in the world with Barack Obama as our next President.
Rev, Wright never sent over 4,000 Americans to their deaths over oil. Bush did.
How can anyone in their right mind believe that having Bush support or adopting his policies will not be damaging.
There's a vast difference between Reverend Wrights statement about, God, damning America for its past injustices and George Bush whose policies that have been damned by Americans and most of the world.
I believe when Americans start realizing that Reverend Wright is not running for president and that John McCain is, the choice will be simple.
that's like asking what's worse, a broken left leg or a broken right leg.
they both cause a lot of pain and take a long time to heal.
Reverend Wright's association with Senator Obama will turn out to be the worse because voters end up voting based on the personalities of the candidates or others associated with them. The voters will become temporarily blinded by the Wright contoversy and forget about Senator McCain's close ties to Bush and his failed and dangerous policies.
Rev. Wright has had his 15 minutes of fame, whereas President Bush has 8 years of shame. You do the math!
Oxford, MS
Bush will hurt McCain more than Wright will hurt Obama. I also believe former congressman Barr, who just entered the race as Libertarian will be a huge headache for McCain because he represents a place for conservative Republicans to go who don't like/trust McCain but can't stomach voting for a Dem in November.
it depends on what he MEDIA wants to do now doesn't it? Wright is really getting old news and the same Hillary stuff (but then Hillary and McCain are friends, right?)
As for the poster who says "big news not out yet for Obama", get real...this is the Internet and just about every faucet that leaks has leaked all over the Net.
Wow, you should see the really serious stuff on McCain leaking! Floodiing the Net.
Bush, for too long, has ignored the fate of America's own people. He has only been concerned this year with all the media hype over the Democrats arguments. so now Bush is just doing damage control. Too late. Regardless of issues/scandals...people are sick to death of the Republicans stance.
National security???? A country who loses it's economic advantage becomes a sitting duck...all all Hillary's duck hunting expertise won't pull us out of the problems.
I'd say BUSH has created the most controvery and damage past, present, future. History books aren't going to be very kind to Bush.
Jack
Reverend Wright's damage is short term and over, whereas the damge Bush has done to the world has lasting effects which will be felt for generations to come.
Jack, there could be no one worse for this country than George Bush, unless it was Cheney and Rumsfeld. Reverend Wright is someones outspoken minister. A man who has accomplished great things for the poor and needy in his community and has created many more positive scenarios than negative ones. There is simply no comparison; apples and oranges.
George Bush purposefully tore us apart from within. Purposefully lied to us. took advantage of our patriotism, tarnished our reputations, ruined out economy, sent out jobs elsewhere, allowed his rich friends to become ultra rich at our expense. There has been no single person as devastating to our country...not even Richard Nixon. This man purposefully pulled us down so he and his Arab friends could move in.
Neither one of them should matter... they are not running for President!!!
I love the fact that all Americans are blaming President Bush for all of our problems... I know that he is so powerful that he caused Katrina and all of the natural disasters... I know he was the one that sold all of those homes with bogus mortgages... I know that he calls the oil companies every morning to see how much they are going to charge for oil and he personally sets the price of gas... I know he has to be behind the 9/11 attacks and is the cause of all the problems in the Middle East... all of you are morons if you believe that crap!!!
Don't get me started on Rev. Wright... all of you need to quit blaming everyone else for the poor decisions you are making!!!
Anything or anybody assoicated with Bush is pure POISON! The US and the world are in dire conditions because of Bush and necocons, and McCain, or McBush, will just carry on the same ruinous policies.
Rev. Wright is an ordinary citizen who has has a right to his views, and in this country we are supposed to be judged by our own actions! Barak can not be responsible for others words and actions.
Why is McCain not questioned for his seeking support from an ideologue and racist pastor like John Hagee, whose CUFI organization has done irreparable harm to US interests around the world? I personally didn't have much objection to what Rev. Wright said, because it is true from the minority perspective and that's what the white power in this country doesn't like. At lease the man was not hypocritical, which is more than I can say for our government and supposed 'free media' who continually villify nations that do not want to be oppressed by our imperialistic and Zionist policies.
Thus Bush's support for McCain will be more harmful.
Rev. Wright and George Bush both spell problems! That is why about 50% of the Democrats are still supporting Hillary Clinton. I work for the Democrat party in my home state, and I KNOW many people are not going to vote for Obama without Hillary Clinton on the ticket. And who cares what Michelle Obama thinks of Hillary on the ticket. I didn't know they were running a dual presidency–Barack and Michelle. She is turning people off faster than he can charm them. I am sooooo afraid we will turn this election over to John McCain is our two candidates can't reach a compromise soon. Please people, turn off the scarcasism on Hillary. If you are a true democrat, you will remember how good this country was under Bill Clinton as President. Have you forgotten so quickly????
Honestly, in my opinion, this whole Rev.Wright thing was blown way out of proportion. It seems to me like a poorly executed smear tactic. Think of it this way, if Obama was in McCain's shoes, would Rev. Wright even be known by the general public, or would people be calling Obama "Obush"?
I find it interesting that detractors of Sen. McCain will claim that because Pres. Bush has endorsed him it means that their philosophies are the same. Didn't Hamas endorse Sen. Obama?
Mr Wrigt critizes Bush ,but Bush doesn't ,because he knows Mr Wright words are tough but true.
They are both damaging but Bush isn't only bad for McCain, he's damaging to the entire country.
Jack,
Since McCain's favorite Pastor Hagee has called the Catholic Church the "Great Whore", I would think the Pastor debate between the two might come off as a tie.
That being said, Bush is the tie-breaker and McCain the loser.
six of one half dozen of the other.
Jack, the larger question is about the state of our country.In the history of the United States, who has done more damage to our country? Wright is merely a tool to hurt a candidate, while Bush has bankrupted a nation, demoralized it's people, stripped away civil rights and lessened the stature of our country in the eyes of the world. Even if Wright were to have a signficant impact on the election, Bush has created a legacy that will be felt in this country for many, many years. There is absolutely no comparison.
Jack
President's are elected on issues that the country faces and the future the candidates promise.
If we have learn't anything from the Republican and Democratic primaries are that the voters are not stupid.
Given the choices; McCain is the presumptive Republican nominee albeit his baggage of failed Bush policies. There is no way he can seperate from Bush after supporting him for eight long years.
Wright's comments however are disgusting and rejected by both the voters and Obama.
I don't see how McCain can hide behind Bush and why Obama would be penalised by Wright's comments regardless of all the spin and unfortunate media attention it gets.
What a ridiculous comparison– it's like comparing apples and aardvarks. Rev. Wright is a preacher who has made inflammatory comments about our country. Bush is the President who has led our country into an unnecessary war that has caused the deaths of 4,000 brave soldiers and 100,000 Iraqi civilians, wasted 600 billion dollars of taxpayer money, created 2 million refugees, and diminished our standing in the world community. Voters that fall for this type of politics help elect incompetent leaders who have created the current state of our country.
What relationship? If you remember back to 2000, W' ripped McCain apart. The two used to hate each other. Every is so quick to jump on the "McBush" bandwagon they seem to have forgotten that the two were at each other's throats for years. So much for McCain being senile...
Jack, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright gave a speech that was reduced into a two-second soundbite on youtube.
George W. Bush succeeded in destroying two nations: Iraq, and our own.
Now you tell me which connection is worse.
I don't agree that Rev. Wrights comments are worse than GWB's policies and decisions over the last four years...
However, the G*d d*amn America video will be played over and over and over and that could make the difference for the swing voters...
Bush can..........what he does directly affects your and my life. Rev Wright??? Not an issue.....has NO INFLUENCE on the welfare of you or me or the USA. The Wright thing was blown out of proportions by old politics. The only losers out of the Wright thing were the voters who were swayed by the political antics..............Pres. Bush is a different matter entirely. We all may be losers before it is all over with.
Neither, it will be Obama's unpatriotic wife, actions, attitudes, family history,
It will all be laid out by the Freak Show Media (you know who you are) and the 527's in 30 second increments, Democrats will be longing for Hillary in Mid October.
I don't think there is a contest. Who destroyed this once great country, and who made a few stupid remarks? Simple King Bush.
Wright is history;
Bush is a mystery.
Mama votes for Obama;
Only the insane vote for McCain.
JAck
Before Bush became President I never knew what it felt like to be handicapped, now I do. Further, myself and millions of Amricans are now in crutches, unable to pay bills, or buy the basic necessities to sustain life.
There should be a law against the economic and social devastation Bush has created. (Reverend Wright whooooooooooooooooo).
Jack,
Wright is a Pastor that has been denounced by Obama.
Bush is an anchor that is too heavy for McCain to toss aside.
Bush is the greater problem...for McCain and the rest of us as well.
If Dems try to use McCains association with Bush to fault him, then they have to accept Obama's association with Wright as fair game too.
so either they will both be equally hurt by this, or neither will be hurt at all.
Reverand Wright will be mostly forgotten by the fall. The RNC really cannot bring him up because McCain has multi-clergy problems of his own On the other hand, George W will still be around every day as living proof of an administration with failed policies.
Jack, I think when the dust settles, it will be clear that Bush is going to cause more damage. Right now any poll that talks about Wright is going to be heavily weighted due to the ongoing Democratic nomination. Check out this poll again in August and I'm betting you'll have a much clearer picture and it won't be pretty for McSame.
It is way past time for the news media, including you Jack, to let Rev. Wright fade into the background. Bush isn't relevant to John McCain's campaign either.
Jack,
We're in a multi-trillion dollar debt, gas and milk is running neck and neck per gallon, the economy is shot, unemployment is on the rise, people are loosing their homes left and right and from the looks of it...its only going to get worse! Rev. Wright WHO?!
Besides...a third Bush term would hurt us all more and is more imprtant then some random reverend who has no power
How can we say that Goerge Bush will do more damage when we have only seen the preview of Rev. Wright. Rev. Wright has taken a break from the media. When he begins his book tour in the fall, the media would have difficulty knowing whether it is Obama or Wright running for President.
Jack, good try.
We know you are trying to get Clinton supporters to vote for Obama. I for one refuse to vote Obama.
Lin
Depends, if your talking about real damage, of course its George Bush. If your talking about damage to a political campaign, then of course it will be Rev. Wright. Everybody knows McCain can't stand Bush, he is not Bush, and he will not govern like Bush. So Dems trying to paint him as Bush 3 I don't think will go over. I'm a Dem and I don't buy it. On the other hand, I sure don't buy that Obama did not join with Wright in his hate filled, racist rant for 20 years either. Bottom line, I might not like everything about McCain, but at least I know what there is to like or dislike.
Jack, good try.
We know you are trying to get Clinton supporters to vote for Obama. I for one refuse to vote for Obama.
Lin
why would the rev's comments upset me? i'm a white male from indiana, who hears comments about black people all the time. i look at it like this, because people use those comments for reason or another, doesn't mean that i have to believe in what they have to say. and if people want to make a big deal about what wright had to say, it's only because they freightened that their way of life will be turned upside down if obama is president. with being said, let's look at what bush has lied to all of us about. and how many of you folks voted for the man who used scare tactics to get your votes. weapons of mass destruction lie number 1. how many people has that gotten killed because the truth of the matter was that it was about oil. and everytime bush speaks to us, are you telling yourself oh no here comes another lie? when asked if he had heard that gas was expected to hit 4.00 a gal this summer, his answer no he hasn't heard that one. like someone asked him a joke. and now you want to believe mccain just because he was in vietnam. what's that sound, someone is wearing flip flops, no it's just mccain.
Wake up Jack. President Bush is 50% more popular than Congress. Wright is more popular than who, Uh, Farrikand? And Obama is a member of both Congress and Wright's organization.
George Bush's middle name is "damage." Just look at the last 7 years if you want proof.
Of course Bush is the real issue and problem. Also, Larry McCumber from Florida, you epitomize the gullible American voter that everybody is trying so desperately to get past. Keep flipping that coin buddy. Let me guess, you're one of those people who still hasn't made up their minds?
Jack,
Angus needs to be put on the spot. Sounds like a sre loser to me. Angus you're nuts.......
Ummm Bush... Wright is just an attantion hog. Bush put this country thrillions of dollars in debt, caused the death of 4000+ american soilders and countless iraqi citizens. The list of his misdeeds are longer than any other president. He will go down in history as the worst, and dumbest president ever. Maybe i'm just naive in believing that the american public will see that Wright has had no effect on their lives while Bush has made their lives WORSE... but then i remember that these are probably the same people that voted for him TWICE and I continue looking for ways to move to Canada
NONE !!!!!!!! has nothing to do with how fast our economy is slipping into the toilet, I’d imagine Bush’s reputation will do more harm to McCain than Wright could ever do to Obama’s campaign.
Actions speak louder than words, Jack.
Rev. Wright has done many good things for his community as a pastor, and so has his church.
Pres. Bush has made some inexcuseable decisions, not the least of which was the suspending of habeus corpus with the military commisions act. It's right up there with the sedition act and executive order 9066.
What actions has Rev. Wright taken to degrade civil liberties.
Pres. bush has already caused more damage to his party and the country than Rev. Wright's ego ever could.
Jack,
I am amazed that W. Viginia and Kentucky are overwhemingly going towards Hillary Clinton. I first gave credit to the notion that its due to here husbands popularity. Now however I wonder if its due to race. It seems to me that there is some eveidence that these two states are still holding some prejudice against African Americans. How else can one explain such a large disparity.
I have had the unfortunate luck of having to travel to both states, and I know the racism that is there, and this vote tomorrow will prove that to be the case.
Any rationale person who tell you that a 15 point lead is explainable maybe even logical. 40 points however, plainly shows me the facts.
bush has been doing his damage for 8 years.the good rev. lasted a few days.
Jack, Rev. Wright will cause more damage because Obama has never really addressed the reasons for a 20 years association with the Rev. Wright or for that matter with Trinity United Church of Christ and its black liberation theology and its "non-negotiable commitment with Africa".
Sonoma, CA
Jack,
The simple fact that John McCain has the endorsement of Bush, is enough to scare me, let alone the fact that there in the same party. So the answer is no, i won't be voting for McCain.
Carl in Illinois
No contest. Bush is a bulldozer. Wright is a squeaky mouse.
McCane is DOA.
Wright is an agitating windbag. He never started any wars, he had nothing to do with the destructuction of our standing among the other nations of the world,he never started a ridiculous war and he is not responsible for our lousy economy.
The same cannot be said of Bush whom McCain has been supporting and kissing up to for the past four years.
Bob Fleming
Louisvile, Ky
Let me see... which one has done more damage to the country, the world, & the American people???
Let's take a look at McCain's Pastor endorsements that he actually accepted. Republicans are the ones who always run to their pastors for political advice & help, not Democrats.
Bush "should" hurt McCain more that Wright hurts Obama. We already know what Bush is, and we already know McCain embraces his policies. However, because people don't know Wright, they will tend to fear the worst. The 3am ad clearly shows that people are still easily swayed by playing on the fear of the unknown. Even though the majority of people see negative as a bad thing, they still vote for it, because the unknown is still scarier... like staying in a bad marriage...
Bush had done all the damage he can. Wright is still alive and kicking. So, I'd be afraid of him.
It's already obvious that McCain is going to be Bush version 2.0. As such, it's the sitting president who will most damage his party. Quite ironic given the bull moves they all pulled ot get him in the Oval Office in the first place. The Republicans made this bed, now McCain must lie in it.
No matter what the polls say, Reverend Wright didn't destroy everything that America stands for, possibly for years to come.
Well, Jack, I'm sure we can count on you and the rest of the Obama-crazod media to spin everything to make Obama look as good as possible despite his 20 year personal relationship with this Anti American bigot
I am a white southern Christian and really don't think the Rev Wright has been that damaging if I had jump up and left every pastor that I didn't particle agree with. Rev Wright has not wrecked the economy, nor have he started a no ending war. His words have not killed a soul that we know of.
Obama's association with Wright will cost him the White House and possibly even the Democratic nomination. Race remains a huge issue in America and seeing Wright rant and rave against American values has put fear into much of the White community, wondering if the relationship runs deep, would his cabinet and advisors include others with extremist views, would White America be in jeopardy. Unfortunately for Obama, this is a deep and long standing personal relationship, not a casual acquaintance and the public cannot trust his judgment on issues related to race as a result. He has proven that he sides with extremists and bigots and this disqualifies him from the privilege of leading our country, just as, on the reverse side, George Wallace did not deserve the Oval Office because of his associations and prejudices.
We will see in November
Hillary 08
With negatives of 70% Bush is the easy winner of this contest of albatrosses. Bush started a failed war for bad reasons and is the owner of an economy that looks like it's going off the cliff. Wright is just an angry man looking to the past and Obama has said over and over that the past is history and the future should be one of untity.
Rev Wright by a mile! After Denver he will appear in numerous attack ads, aimed at voters who *aren’t even paying attention now*, and the ads will be enormously effective, just like the Willie Horton ad that sank Dukakis. All the Republicans will need is to peel off ONE Blue State, and it’s over.
Obama will face many such ads, not only about Wright, but also Ayers, and whatever else is dug up or made up bewteen now and then. As a candidate he is far more flawed than Dukakis ever was – he is the ultimate smear bait. and pretending that he has gotten past Rev Wright is just plain denial.
I would think McCain's association with the President SHOULD be more harmful. After all, it is Bush's policies that have us in the mess we're in, policies that McCain is now embracing. While Rev. Wright made many disgusting comments, his influence on America pales in comparison to the debacles Bush has orchestrated.
Obviously not many people will vote for Obama because of rev, Wright. However, the relative weight of both is incomparable. While Wright is just a loudmouthed priest, who, in fact, isn't saying much that has not been said by various people of varying importance all over the world, President Buash influences America's economy, America's wars, American lives and the world's policies. He's a much more dangerous "ally" and McCain hasn't... renounced or denounced him.
The biggest negativity in this campaign has been a former president, Bill Clinton;hands down. He still thinks he can steal Bill Gates' thunder on the economic turbo expansion of the 90's. With the cyber business boom during those years, and surrounding business development with the accompanying job growth even a monkey could have been president, and it would not have stopped. The question becomes, why has Hillary not wrapped this up long ago. Because Sen Obama does not tell sniper fire and healthcare fibs or use an oil company lobbyist to promote a temporary gas tax reduction.
Jerry "Please remind me again, what were the major bills in Congress
that Rev. Wright voted on?"
What's your point? Better wonder what were the major bills voted by Obama in the Senate.
Obama makes bad choices when it comes to people.. Rev. Wright is one example, his Senate mentor Ted Kennedy is another.
Reverand Wright spouts off about our government...a little stronger than most of us do, but without much consequence. Bush is responsible for 4000 american soldiers deaths from a war that was based on a lie. McCain's chickens are coming home to roost.
I personally dont care what Wrights opinion is of this country. I do however, care about the price of gas, eggs and milk.
Is McCain going to continue this Republican trend of pushing prices up as high as possible to allow the greedy corporations to make larger profits off the backs of hard working Americans? that is what we need to consider.
Probably. Neither seems to "smell" themselves, the way the rest of us do! They just won't do the "noble" thing, and just "disappear"...for all time's sake. Too much hubrus...too much delusion...too much acute addiction to the "limelight"...and, too much sociopathy to realize that they are "toxic" and very destructive, rather than healing and beneficent influences...(Sniff, sniff...) Yep, both are STILL in the neighborhood...
That depends Jack.
Do we know everything there is to know about Obama's association with Rev. Wright? I get the feeling we don't.
I'm pretty sure there's not much more to come out between now and November about Bush and McCains relationship.
The answer to your questions doesn't lie in what we know now, but in what we don't know yet.
Neither, it all depends on you guys in the media want to cause more damage, you guys in the media will pick one and air every negative about him then say thats how Americans feel, Rev Wright was not an issue you news guys just said he was, and Bush isn't as bad of a president as you guys make him out to be.
Come on Jack. Here is a simple answer. Rev Wright was never a president. He was only the leader of his Church and his speechs had not bearing on the state the country is in presently.
. . .Definately George Bush. Rev. Wright was only fiction.
I think President Bush does more harm to John McCain. Unless Senator Obama starts agreeing with Rev Wright all of a sudden.
So John, what 'facts' does Obama's 80 point lead among black voters show you?
Rev Wright is far more damaging, anyone who votes for Obama is just plain stupid.
Jack,
It seems to me that the difference in the effect on the candidates bases are the more telling numbers. That difference may be because McCain has publicly disagreed with Bush on a number of issues before it was a politically correct move whereas Obama only voiced his disagreement with Wright when he finally had no other political options left.
Bush does damage to McCain. Bush does damage to the entire Republican Party. Bush does damage to the U.S. Bush does damage to Iraq. Bush does damage, period.
Rev. Wright couldn't do that much damage if he tried. He doesn't have that kind of power.
Obama has gotten past Rev. Wright. No one can get past Bush until Bush is out of office. Ultimately, Bush will be much more damaging to McCain and everyone else than Rev. Wright ever will be to Obama.
Jack; That is like asking J.R. on Dallas if George Bush, President of the United States is a better "oil man".
Bush. No doubt.
Unless Wright invades a country under false pretense and drives the price of gas up 500%
I don't think Rev Wright started a war for oil
The Obama thing will only be played out in the media more or made to seem worse if this country or the media is not ready for a black President. To even compare 7 years of Bush to a snippet of Rev Wright is idiotic. Clearly the goal here is great surprise that Obama came this far and now we must do something to stop him. Anyone but Obama right? So lets elect McCain all because some of the media is moronic. And some people will find that excuse they've been looking for besides being honest about their own biases. I'll say this, if he is not elected and it has anything to do with a few million voting by race than this country deserves 4 more years of the Bushes...oh I mean the McCains. Go ahead America...be simple minded.
Republicans and a few disgruntled Democrats will bring up the issue about Rev. Wright in the area of judgment. But the fact is I have been a Christian most of my life. Pastor's do not preach same sermon don't believe he sat on those pews Sunady after Sunday listening to this guy preach such sermons and not disagree with him on some level. Obama has said he wasn't there the days Rev Wright made the comments that showed up on u tube and his traveling schedule proved he's right. When your political oppoent doesn't have any reasonable argument against you they will find one through guilt by association. So far it has backfired on the Republicans and I hope it does more if they keep it up.
Jack; Since Clinton, Obama and McCane favor amnesty for the illegals and have already voted to give them our social security, don't you agree that the voters should vote for Ralph Nader, the consumer advocate who has been fighting for years for the welfare of the American people. Or a vote for Ron Paul Would be worth more than the other three.