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No, but she's been called a bitch more times than any of us can count.

I recognize that the"N" word has a special demeaning quality that is not equivalent to anything else, but there are many sexist terms that are equally hurtful in their own way. Calling a woman a "bitch" is a great way to make sure she stays in her place -- ie, noncontroversial and unassertive.

Naomi

I think the problem is that many whites supported Obama because he is black(although half white, everybody know the black blood rule). Some whites want to be able to say look, I'm not racist I support Obama, just like the Whites who say I am not racist because I have black friends. Now that Obama actually brings out the truth of the race problems we face in this country, some people want to distance themselves from it because people really don't want to deal with the problem, they want to keep pushing it under a rug and say everything is fine. There are white people out there who actually thinks affirmative action has placed them in a disadvantage, Well wake up, affirmative action have done much more for the White women than for blacks. Look at all the top law firms in this country, you'll notice about 2 black token lawyers per about 400 attorneys. Why? no, it's not because there are not many black lawyers; we are out there and we seek jobs with as much determination as anyone else, but the difference is regardless of our stellar grades (ranking 10 out of 121 of my class), the corporate world still does not really accept us because they are worried about how are their clients going to perceive us (unless we attend Harvard of course). People need to grow up and start facing reality of this country, this country is one of the most racist country in the World and pretending everything is fine is not going to ever solve anything.

Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.Jeremiah Wright told me a lot about Obama.

I was a little frustrated at the dialogue about Wright.

I'm an Episcopal Priest, and I went to Wright's church a few times in graduate school because it is the place to be for lots of smart Christians. I admit, I'm upset that he has been scapegoated.

Just a couple notes: Black Liberation Theology did not begin in the 1960's. It began when blacks were slaves, and is found in the earliest American hymns we have. It is not intrinsically "Marxist," although it does seek to articulate "consciousness" against white supremacy. Marx is one dialogue partner. It was never the only one.

White Supremacy is different than Black Liberation. One flaw with Black Liberation theology is that it defines itself against "whiteness" which is an illusory concept.

Second, Wright's "God Damn America" is not much different than what the prophets said about Israel. It is also a critique of Henotheism: the conflation of nationality and God. God Damn America is bad politics, but it fundamentally critiques any notion that God blesses any country, especially a country that doesn't care for the poor.

I can't believe two intelligent people could make excuses for the Pastor's comments. Just exactly what context is required to explain away "The goverment created the AIDS virus to kill people of color". As a white person, it absolutely scares me how many people of color actually think this could be possible. Don't take my word for it, just read some of the other posts. What else is floating around out there on the "black street".

I am a 61 year old white female. In my head, and aloud to some, I say gd America every time our hypocritical politicians say God Bless America. I have been proud of my country...a few odd times in my life, but not many. The only reason people have a problem with the Obamas is that they are used to being pandered to with lies, evasions and pablum. Most "citizens" of this country don't want a leader who is intelligent and thoughtful. Hence, we have George Bush. I plan to work even harder in his behalf at this point.

I'm a little unnerved by the level of the discussion so far,really thought npr listeners had more to them.I think Obama's speech was brilliant.I'm a white Australian,have lived in Nyack for 8 years,his message was utterly true and sincere and impassioned to me.The reality is that American society is full of the complexity Obama talks about.I admire and embrace him for having the courage to reflect this reality and not reduce his message to some simplistic sound bite designed to reassure potential voters.I admire him for sticking by his pastor-I'm not religious-while clarifying why he doesn't agree with some of his ideas,that took real courage.

Re: Obama Speech
Obama outlined an ideology of unity as the way to displace the status quo in social, racial, and cultural divisions that prevent perfecting the principle of equality in the American society.

He presented a message to the voter for accepting social diversity for the good of the country.

All in all, Obama's message was not new, except that "unity" was a call to include immigrants' civil rights. It sounded as a way to leverage the still critical divide suffered by the African American poor in order to magnify the fragility and dangers of a disconnected American society.

Finally, I wish Obama had clarified in few important words how he would intend to govern by practicing his brand of ideology, should he become the next President.

what does the manner in which, or the good manners with which, you or your pastor speaks with acquaintances, new or old, have to do with the beliefs that contribute to policy formation or political debate?

Nice hug, Barak! Whom else will you hug when you are the President? Ahmadinejad? Castro? Chavez?

Very Proud of Barack O'bama, and he'still getting my vote in Pennsylvania. I think he was very forthright and honest in his speech.

However, I am bewildered as to why Barack had to justify his relationship between Trinity and Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Excuse me, but just a week or so ago, didn't Geraldine Ferraro gets in front of the camera and made racial comments regarding Barack's running. Hillary went before the media and gave a simple response basically, "I don't agree with her,"A merica took her at her word and she went on to another topic. Well isn't that the same thing Barack did days ago, "I don't agree with Rev. Wright." Yet and still he has to give his reasonings for being affiliated with the Rev, his attending His FORMER church, everything. Well, excuse me I'm waiting for Hillary's speech. Barack raised by a single white mother and grandparents, his black father left..someone explain to me how he would allow the sermons of Rev. Wright change the view of his white background. Think people, think!

Good speech Barack,
Lo-

(Part 3)

Let's not be naive about the tactics used by *all* candidates, even those who hold themselves up as doing things differently and representing something new.

To wit: Obama is quick to remind us that he opposed the Iraq war from the beginning. Before he started running for President, he was more candid and in interviews said he didn't know how he would have voted had he been in the U.S. Senate. Germane to this discussion, the press briefly reported on a memo drafted by his staff before the South Carolina primary about how they could use the "race card" against the Clintons.

Fwiw, I have supported both Obama and Clinton financially.

Finally, I thought it was an affecting and probably a very effective speech, given his reasons for giving it. A lot of what he said was dead on and long overdue.

P.S. The Constitution was signed September 17, 1787. I think Obama was implying the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1787 or did I miss something?

(Part 2)

This discussion and its substance are fundamental to the nation. If we want to analyze and confront racism, which is alive and well in this country, let's do it. I think Obama has tried to play it safe on this issue. That wasn't just a philosophical consideration; it's a political one. He hasn't wanted to alienate the significant support he has garnered from "non-Black" voters. I believe he's only confronting this now because he has been forced to since Wright's sermons have been circulated widely.

His candor and political calculations are fair game. His associations with people, including the influence of his spiritual guide of 20 years, are fair game. Let's have an open discussion. Let's not kid ourselves about anyone being above the fray. Let's not make excuses for any candidate, no matter how appealing.

Continued....

Race and racism are legitimate issues for this political season as it should be regardless of the race of the candidates. It's about time we took it on. This country's history and its continuing legacy of economic and social injustice is proof that this is not just legitimate, but crucial. (Unfortunately, the history of nearly annihilating Native Americans in order to establish this nation is almost never mentioned by anyone.)

The reason this is a legitimate issue transcends Pastor Wright's inflammatory snippets on YouTube that have been played endlessly. As someone else noted, religion has always been political. The reverse is also true. This isn't a discussion about patriotism per se. This country's history, current policies and attitudes should be confronted, but not with inflammatory language. Wright's points could be made just as strongly and more persuasively without it.

For me, the problem is that Obama has said race is too important to ignore and yet he shied away from dealing with it’s complexity head on in the plain language he's using today--finally. He has, instead, presented his campaign as one of bringing people together in a way that transcends race, and himself as race neutral (sometimes trotting out his heritage as half Kenyan/half Kansan to prove his bona fides for both positions: race matters and race doesn't matter).

Has anyone have friends in whom they agree 100% on all major ideals? I had a very close relationship with a family friend in my church, who became a Cardinal in the church. I saw his deep faith and convictions to the needs of society, but there were few areas I could agree upon, I didn't leave the parish church. It's about being human and our imperfectness. We can't live our lives by our egoic selves.

Annie (caller)-- I recognize your voice from other stations as well - Your criticism of Obama and others similar strike me as deeply-rooted and well beyond the reach of contrary evidence. Did you listen to the speech? Whether you agree or not - did you get the message. Your critique is your own, of course. However are you doing yourself or anyone else any favor with ideologically driven abstraction. Obama did address antisemitism and other kinds of divisive behavior. Vote for whom you like. But how does it benefit you or this nation to pull down another and never praise the candidate of your choice. Do you promote your vision, speak your peace, work to build constructively. Did you listen to the speech?
Oy.

Before we all jump up and down about what Obama did or did not say this morning read the transcript- its easy enough to find here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/us/politics/18text-obama.html?pagewanted=all

The "progressive man" who started speaking at about 11:40 simply didn't listen to the speech. His own response sounded pre-prepared. Ready to pounce. He picked out only what *already* bothered him.
I hope you let him hog the airtime with his own agenda to let those of his ilk manifest themselves and to rebut the specifics of his reaction that needed to be rebutted.
His level-toned but hypocrisy-laden tirade, however, should be seen for what it is. Obama's speech was too rich, too multi-layered, for those masses of people who can only digest sound bites. Alas, I expect much, much more of the same.

#155

Yes, definitely

Hmmm. I thought I submitted a comment so apologies if it
repeats .
As the Jewish American parent of a fairly newly adopted African American teen-age dauther, (and a Hilary supporter), I am glad to hear a statesman say that racism needs to be addressed. Because of my daughter, I've gotten a stunning education about the way racism exists - yes - here in NYC. The way she has been treated in both complex and daily ways by store clerks, by police, my landlord. I get to be there sometimes to witness it. And the way she's internalized it - from her mouth - "black people do cause most of the problems". Let's keep talking about it. AS a blind person I experience daily discrimination. One problem peoole face doesn't negate the other and racism needst to truely be purged from our society.

Now Hillary can say Obama's qualifications are a speech he made in 2002--and 2008.

152,
Very fair. So, friends again?

hey ab & david get a room!

The caller who said that had a Republican been as close to Robertson or Falwell as Obama has been and remains to Wright, he'd never be considered for president--certainly not by this group over here--was 100% on target.

Here's what Clinton should say in response to the speech:

“There will come a time in the coming four plus years when the next president will have to decide whether several divisions of the US Army will have to retreat from some province in Iraq or push forward; when the president will have to decide whether to help a declining US stock market with incentives or hold back; perhaps when the president will have to choose between three very qualified but quite different candidates to be a US Supreme Court justice. The time will come to take a stand, Mr. Obama, not just give a stirring speech.

“Today you had the opportunity to take a stand, a simple stand: to quit the church you have belonged to and make it clear that intolerance will not be tolerated—not just with words, but with actions. And you couldn’t do it. If you couldn’t simply quit a church, why should we have faith that as president you could do anything more than try to speak your way out of a crisis?”

See my post here: www.thejewishpress.blogspot.com

#139

I'm not sure about Wright...yet. I don't think the God damn America statement is racist.

However, I don't really know much about him admittedly and need to hear more about his statement. It's just that what I have heard so far, though strident for sure have not approached racism. But his association with Farrakhan certainly does raise my eyebrow. I just haven't heard any statement that has been attributed to him that was racist....yet. And again, I admit I have to look into it further.I just don't want the mcm claiming someone is racist when they express anger over the racism of this country. I do think that is a trend that seeks to silence people of color and is racist itself. In the chop shop clips of the mcm I just haven't heard a racist statement yet.

However, if/when I do hear something that was said by Wright that sounds prejudiced/racist I'll have no issue calling it what it is. I need to read a bit more about him.

I am so proud of Obama. In fact, I was previously torn between Rodham Clinton and Obama. After hearing his beautifully articulated speech, I am more likely to support him. I am uplifted by his honesty and analysis of the Black experience in this country. It would be hypocritical either to condemn the pastor or to support some of his inflammatory comments. Conversely, I actually was cheering the first time I heard the clips of the pastor's comments. Not because I believe America should be damned, but one must understand the cultural context in which those feelings are experienced. And from that perspective, one will have moments of recognition that, while this country was very much built upon the backs of slaves and other marginalized groups, there are ramifications of treating people in that way. People who are disappointed that Sen. Obama did not flatly and unilaterally condemn his pastor's comments are ignorant to the history of racial inequities in this country. Bravo to the Senator for elucidating and beautifully articulating what has needed to be said. Race is a factor in this race for the presidency? Indeed! As a member of an UCC church, I am also aware of the long history of the fight for equality and for helping others within this church. These are hallmarks of this particular christian denomination.
Dr. Rosaria Caporrimo
Asst. Professor of Educational Psychology
Queens College, CUNY

So here comes the hard part for America; race, the eternal American bugaboo, won't be banished into the hinterland simply because a charismatic black man has a legitimate shot at the presidency. Obama's very candidacy speaks of the future we have collectively carved from our painful national past. WE should focus on how far we have come as a nation and how badly we need to move forward.

I’m sick of people insisting that politicians should be gleaming, high-and-mighty, spotless figures. Simply associating with someone who has ideas you don’t agree with does not, to me, flaw Obama. I think there is great strength in understanding and communicating with controversial people in powerful positions, whether we agree with them or not. It’s a much more successful approach than denouncing and condemning those people and/or ignoring the nerves they hit with the public. I think this was a great approach for him to take. Politicians who take the easy road of self-righteously denouncing every controversial figure are usually the ones who fall far after some ridiculous scandal… Obama doesn’t use prostitutes, I hope. haha

Senator Obama's speech was a terrific one, made up of his conscious effort to be all things to all people. Unfortunately, it did not address the main concern of most of those people - the reason why he went for almost twenty years without finding anything wrong with Pastor Wright's divisive and anti-American comments and rhetoric, never addressing them until he finally got hit in the face with them over these past few weeks. However, his goal has been achieved in that the speech will provide excellent sound-bytes for his future campaign advertisements, and that is what we expect from our politicians, even those whose single operative word is "change".

I thought Mr. Obama's speech was excellent. In the short time he had I think he addressed the complexity of the issue of race in America today. He reflected on the position from many sides and I felt it was well done.

Obama is a good strong black/white man! Period. He inspires me. I am completely proud him and of how he took such a true stand. This is one of the most moving speeches ever. He is a profound individual.

Lets truly turn the mirror on ourselves. How do you feel about America? How do you feel about your race? Can you walk in a black man or black woman shoes?

Why does he have to make such a speech? Why does he have to say I have a white grandfather, a white grandmother and a whole array of colors in his family? When is America going to face slavery and what they did to black people?

Obama is right by saying this anger is real. And we just can not wish it away.

Black people have to continue to prove themselves more than any other race. We need to wake up my fellow Americans and seriously, face what our country has done to black people as a whole. Lets come together to arrive to a better America for the future, for our children and for ourselves. America did this to us and continues to. We were consider less than human. There were laws put in place to keep us locked in chains and down on ourselves. Blacks have the right to be anger.

The anger is real. Most Americans cannot face this. Blacks have been made to believe that they are not smart, beautiful, worthy etc...

I have so much to say here, but will refrain at this point. What I want to say now is that blacks need to start believing more in themselves, each other and standing behind/for one another. Thank God for Obama.

I'm an Eastern European Jew who sometimes gets white privilege in this country in a way I wasn't so aware of before. As a blind person I often lose that priviliege, so perhaps I can better hear the effects of differences on individuals lives. I have a newly adopted teen--age daughter who is African american. At 48 years old I now get to find out through her experience the tangible reality of racism in the way she is treated by store clerks, police, and my landllord. right here in NYC. I hear the internalized racism out of her mouth "blackks do cause most of the problems." and am shocked and feel almost inadequate to address it. Although I do. And the best I know to do now is to talk about race and racism when it's relevant without a break in my stride. I would like to see Hilary elected, but I am thrilled to hear a statesman talking about the issue, about the importance of talking about the issue, and perhaps even brining clarity and understanding to the larger population that dont' experience it in the same palpable way that black peole do every day. It does need to be talked about to let it be really dealt with.

If America is so easily swayed by Hillary's distractions, then we will deserve what we get in the White House. We will continue the sad streak of not dealing with reality and, based on our fears, elect someone else who will continue to systematically dismantle the hopes of the middle class, wage unwarranted wars and dissipate our right to privacy.

134,
"liberals" support B'Ob
he is a "liberal" not that there's anything wrong with that, just they can't get elected in the USA

Obama's forty minutes speech today is crucial because it brought race and politcs in USA where it should be open and honest.

The path to imperfect union is an ongoing affair and we should all work to narrow our differences rather than be cynical to each other and we all be losers.

The speech was one of the best so far he has given and I commend him for that and the media spinners will be the one to lose.

Regards,

Tedla Asfaw

The first caller was surprisingly, amazingly articulate about Obama's speech.

The second caller, as ostensibly sympathetic, obviously doesn't know as much as Obama --or any black--about the black community and the state of race relations today. That's the danger, that the huge numbers of ignorant whites, unconnected to the black community whatsoever, will reject the information about reality that Obama is offering.

I think it was incredibly ponient(sp) when Obama mentioned his grandmother and the mentioning of racist stereo-types on her part despite how she cared for him.

I have had similar experiences. One of which was one of my best friends who moved from New York years ago to a less integrated community confessing on his last visit how he finds himself falling victim to stereotypes of fear when he walked around in my mostly hispanic/black neighborhood.

ab, I really believe we do. I think we just express them differently.

Look, before this gets axed by the moderator, I really don't have time to go back through the archives, so I will just apologize to you now.

What I maintain (and, Mr. or Ms. Moderator, here's the connection to the story), I think Dr. Wright went beyond expressing anger at racism and crossed into racism. I think his racism is as wrong as Tom/John/Whoever Hagee. I think racism is wrong, regardless of the direction.

Again, peace.

The Clintons as civil rights leaders this is a joke.

why do we as americans find it so hard to face
real truths of the historical realities of our
great nation. not talking about them in the public arena does not mean our past never really happen.
we all feel and say these things in the privacy
of our inner selves and to each other in our own little like minded clicks.
no one ever ask any white canidate or leader to distance themselves from pat roberts and jerry falwell.

Definitely one of the best and most important speeches in American political history.

I posted this earlier but no-one is addressing his actions, his performance, etc...Does Obama think its proper to have some-one simulate sexual acts in front of children? I dont care If its lively in the church - this is inappropriate behavior!!!

One of the the news clips I saw about this preacher had him simulating "riding" Monica in the White House. Now is that ANY way for ANY clerygyman to act - at any time - especially from the pulpit - in front of children?

If republicans wpould only be nicer they would have the black vote. While liberals are showing their true color or atleast how they feel about it.

David,

The sad part of this David is that we may actually have very similar beliefs

#131

It was very nuanced...it'll be interesting to see how the mcm chops it up, butchers and twists it in the days to come

Absolutely

Moderator's Note:

Several comments have been removed for violating the WNYC posting policy, which encourage you to stay on topic (and, worth noting: civil). Please do not use this board as a forum for ongoing arguments with one another. Thank you.

-BL Show-

Wow! Obama's speech today is the first whole one that I have heard. The man is awesome! His profound mind, his gravitas, his ability to communicate are astounding. He puts to shame every president of the last twenty-eight years and every other politician of national import today.

The intelligence of that speech is why Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States.

Even as I listen now to Barack Obama's speech in Philadelphia, I would like to add another element in this issue of Rev. Wright's statements. There are mainline evangelical ministers, who are not Black, have been making statements regarding moral contexts that may have had less to do with racein, but were quite vigorous in condemnation of immorality in the U.S. none the less. e.g. Pastor John MacArthur and even Billy Graham have often made statements to the effect that "if God does not judge America he will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah." These are very mainstream condemnations that most Evangelicals have heard in regard to moral decline in America, whether in regard to faith, ethics, knowledge, ungodliness, race etc. This is quite a common theme in Evangelical cirlces, though only the extreme statements are focused on.

#122

LOL

How Convenient. No, I never did, you misinterpreted my point obviously.

There is something about his directness which is refreshing. I understand he is a slick politician, very savvy, but he seems to be a good one, too. He seems to be very enlightened and enlightening. After the bumbling stumbler we have had for 7+ years, it is really sweet to hear a leading candidate for President speak with such clarity, intelligence, directness and inspiration.

full B'Ob speech will senator clinton get equal time?

Brian is obama supporter

Wow. I am so glad that Obama is taking the opportunity to have a real discussion about the many complexities regarding perspective and race in America. I would far rather have this quality in a president than someone who would repudiate then completely distance him or herself from someone who also did good.

ab,

For whatever reason, an earlier response wasn't posted. If I could go back over the shows of the past couple of weeks and find the link to where you, in a back-and-forth with someone else, did justify black racism towards whites, I would do it. I remember reading it at the time and shaking my head.

If I have ever misinterpreted anyone express frustration / outrage / anger / etc. at any form of racism for actual racism, I apologize. However, if anyone engages in racism and then tries to couch / disguise / hide it as the aforementioned anger, I hope you will understand when I call it out. Indeed, I would hope you would be as vociferous in calling it out with me as you have been in your painting me today with your own brushes.

[Moderator's note: Thank you for keeping this comment civil and productive. That said, please read the WNYC posting guidelines, which ask that you stay on topic to the discussion taking place on the air.]

This speech is not talking to me!!! Sorry, folks. We have heard this over and over... I am all for Obama, but this really turned me off.

A

I'm so impressed that he is not backing down, not disowning this man who has been so important in Obama's life. Most politicians, I think, would have denounced the person with simple, crowd pleasing condemnations. Instead, Obama addresses the complex nature of this situation and stands by someone he admires and cares for. The reality is, this pastor spoke the truth and people don't want to hear it.

108--Just because you say it doesn't make it true. Perhaps you are travelling that river.

#116

I agree

Saul I read your post before they pulled it, "censored it" I believe their is some truth to what you say, this show has become an agenda for pro Israel policies.

[Moderator's note: These types of comments are best appropriate - and most effective - when directed to listener services. Please contact them at 212-669-3333. Thanks]

Awesome, powerful speech so far.

This country has been and continues to be damned by GW Bush, his administration, his supporters, his religious righters who claimed God their own. We have had over seven years of nothing that is good and press that remained and remains silent just riding the waves and questioning very little and so we continue to descend into a damnation that will take a very very long time to reverse. We don't have to ask God to damn US to hell, these folks already have done so. So be it, Rev Wright, we did it ourselves.

It is unbelievable, inexplicable, and very unfortunate that a lot of Brian's listeners today seem to believe that racism has been "eradicated" in the words of one commenter. Perhaps this failure is due to the whitewashing of American history. Speaking for myself, in the 21st century, I have been called a nigger to my face. In New York City, in Manhattan, I have been asked to leave a shop because the shop owner wasn't "comfortable" with me being there. I was followed until I was asked to leave.
I hold two professional degrees, work a white-collar 9-5 job, make more than city average per year, and don't listen to hip hop or rap nor do I wear hip hop clothing. Many times I've been accused of acting or being too "white"; however, I am still seen as a Black man and treated as such in this country.
Racism is very alive in this country and we will not overcome it until we acknowledge it is still a factor in our everyday lives, regardless of our race.

#108

yes and some say we are "excusing racism" when we try to express that,lol

#103

Um...I thought we were talking about Wright's statements. Now Obama is "playing it on a fiddle" because of someone else's statements?

I'd like to bring the conversation, perhaps apropos of nothing, to Malcolm X. I am not a supporter of the Nation of Islam, but I am a supporter of the views of Malcolm X, who tried his hardest for a very long time to raise the standards and conditions of Black Americans. Even after he left the Nation of Islam, recognizing the divisive and corrupt nature of that organization, and even after he began to consider forming a coalition of Black Americans and Americans of other backgrounds, he was still unflinching in his assessment of the racial situation in this country. There is a lot of division, and there is, as a natural result, a lot of anger. Very real anger.
PS: Please check out the following blog:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/03/why-did-barack-obama-stay-at-t.php

#99

Again, I have NEVER ever "excused" racism of anyone at any time. That is moronic and just like today I pointed out to you then that you need to READ and not just react. It's funny how you can't quote it. Slandering me, doesn't make it a truth. Nice try.

Oh and it's not "couching" to criticize institutionalized racism. Funny how you think criticizing racism (institutionalized or not) is racist. Very funny that.

I would suggest you look up the definition of racism in the dictionary as you are clearly unfamiliar with it.

Sarah,

What double standard? Obama caught a free pass from the media until, maybe, the past two weeks.

Again, there is a big difference. Bill Clinton, as have many presidents, counseled with Billy Graham. Barack Obama is still a MEMBER of J. Wright's church.

Here it is the stark gulf between the view of African-Americans of America and European- Americans.
White Americans with all of their historical privileges simply cannot accept that people of color live in another America.
And denial is not a river in Africa.

I think this discussion should stop being about defending Obama. I think your guests should not give speeches. And please stop referring to everyone as "sister" and "brother." It's totally an affectation -- it doesn't make us sisters and brothers. In truth, only Obama himself can address this issue effectively. Let's see what he has to say.

I hate to say this, Brian, but I can't help but feel you are making too much of Michelle Obama's words and you do seem to betray a certain unease with the Obamas.

By the way, does anybody know who is responsible for unearthing the YouTube clips? The Kitchen Sink crew, perhaps? (FYI: this crew was also responsible for setting up the 'Iron my shirt guys' in New Hampshire)

It is nice to hear his soothing voice, his words of wisdom after suffering so much nonsense here on this board (lots of good stuff, lots of bad stuff too though).

#87

I agree, it seems a lot of alleged liberals talk a good game but have a problem with people of color expressing their objections to the continuing racism of this country. This whole campaign has been illuminating for me as it has exposed the racism of the LEFT.

SLAVERY was HORRIBLE.

But playing on it like a fiddle to get elected is NOT the way to go...
Very manipulative Obama...

If Brian and his show isn't biased, why doesn't he talk about the incredible double standard that Obama is being subjected to?

Why didn't Bill Clinton get hammered for his association with Billy Graham, a man who broadcast all sorts of bigoted beliefs against Jews, gays, etc. Why isn't Hillary now asked about that?

WHy isn't the media continuing to go after John McCain, who hasn't even been rejected the endorsement of Hagee, a preacher wo calls the Catholic Church a whore, says gays caused Hurricane Katrina, and most alarmingly, supports Zionism and the Jewish reclamation of Jerusalem so that Jesus can rise up again in the second coming and then kill all the non-believers (including the Jews he purports to support.)

And for that matter, why is white america so shocked when Wright says that America is ruled by rich white men? Every single American president has been white and male and most of them wealthy. Most CEOs are rich white men... Why is this so shocking to Americans.

Fact is, all these mega church pastors--Wright, Hagee, etc-- are like radio shock jocks. They often say outrageous things to fan the fervor of their flock.

Wish I could say some of this onair but the phone circuits are busy. But I wish Brian would reflect many of the commentators online who feel this Wright issue and the question of whether or not Obama wears an American flag lapel pin made in some Chinese sweatshop is getting way overblown in the media echo chamber.

Disgusted in Manhattan

is the black experience only define by discrimination.

white people are discriminated also in several ways religion, gender, class, sexual orientation etc.

is Clarence Thomas an expert on the black experience ?

When Non whites voice the anger as expressed in Wright's speeches they voice 300 years of anger, hurt, fear and frustration with our fellow human beings that are lacking melanin and come from Europe... these are words that we all have been waiting and hoping to say and could ONLY say since 1965. Anyone that chooses not to understand that has an agenda, or is ignorant. There is no need for non whites to subvert their pain because it makes whites uncomfortable. They tolerated and still tolerate the conditions that sustain this anger, frustration and fear.

ab, #99, Not today, but in earlier posts you HAVE excused black racism against whites. You have couched it in terminology of "anger" at the "instituionalized racism."

#85

Excuse me, I NEVER once said it is "excusable" or acceptable for blacjk people to be racist toward white people. That is idiotic considering that
1) I am HALF WHITE. My father is white
2) I am PROUD of being bi-racial

Not once have I ever said it was ok or excusable for a black to be racist against a white. It is unacceptable for ANYONE to be racist for another and if you knew me you would know that i am VERY vocal about that towards anyone I feel is being racist.

So next time, I would suggest (as I have told you before) READ MY POSTS CAREFULLY. Because obviously you have not. The point I am making is that it is NOT racist to criticize America for it's racism! I reject that as idiotic and a way for the mcm and the right to silence people of color. It's hypocritical to say we have done and continue to have racial issues but expect people of color to be silent about it. That, I feel, is racist.

Why are you been drawn into the vortex of the ignorant opened by the people who make the noise between the commercials on am talk radio?
You are dancing with the wingnuts

I can't believe you quoted Bill Kristol, Brian. He uses quotes from false statements and basically sends out all kinds of false bits. How can you even give him notice, really!

Dedric, rest assured those "positives" will never be summarized in a 15-second youtube clip and be touted on the airwaves. We only go for the jugular here.

By the way, didn't the pastor endorsing McCain say (I'm paraphrasing) that Katrina hit New Orleans the day a huge gay-pride parade was planned and this was a good thing and deserved?

Nobody denies that black people have reason to be angry - get this out on the table. And get Obama's political calculations out too and let him be seen as an ordinary mortal.

People, wake up. On the one hand you are acknowledging you have no idea, really no clue about Wright or Trinity, except for the chosen clips being played in heavy rotation. No context. No understanding. No general review of a 30-year career and a major church in Chicago and all the good work it has done. Just words? No, just clips. Then you are altogether judging Wright, the church and Senator Obama himself for what was said -- as if Obama said those things himself.

One more thing: Why has noone called John McCain to task for his eager acceptance of Pat Robertson's endorsement? Remember what Pat Robertson stands for???

#78

Well, I've known a lot of people who weren't born here, people of color who came here as teens or adults.....they may not have grown up here but they have ALL experienced discrimination. Sorry....that statement just makes no sense at all and is divorced from reality.

[This comment removed for not adhering to the WNYC posting policy. Please stay civil and on-topic to the discussion on the air. If you would like to comment on the BL - or any other WNYC show - in general, please contact listener services at 212-669-3333. Thanks.]

All these objections are pointless, as long as the President gets to contiue saying "God bless America" and as long as those words get printed on coins why should I care if a candidate's preacher speaks from his experience and it comes out as "God damn America." If Obama is so hot for change, which has been brow beaten into every dead horse in the nation, why shouldn't he find problems with it, and sympathize with those who do as well?

The Pope makes statements regarding America and other issues and people are not expected to leave the Catholic Church. Same can be said about white member of the Southern Baptist Church. Its not unusual to admire someone for the positives but strong condemn their flaws.

A lot of the secret racism of "liberal" white WNYC New Yorkers is rearing it's ugly head. It's refreshing to see. They really aren't alot different than the Bob Grant listeners they so distain.

I have a hard time understanding people's "outrage" over what this pastor said, primarily because our current president is linked with evangelical christianity, which has been linked with rampant homophobia/keeping women in their place/white supremacy and other totally unamerican sentiments. For some unfathomable reason, these sorts of horrid veiwpoints get people elected, but express anger or disappointment at America and risk being labled unpatiotic and anti-american.

Ugh.

Barack Obama for president!!

ab,

Once again, we find ourselves on opposing sides of an issue. With respect to what you have written and with an effort to be sensitive to your feelings, please allow me to offer a different perspective.

I don't ignore the horrible things that the power holders of America perpetuated against the underclass. Members of the underclass have included blacks, native Americans, Irish, Italians, Poles--the poor. In the South and other parts of America, racism became institutionalized. When schools were integrated in the South, private schools opened everywhere, and "white flight" took place.

Racism still exists. America has made progress. Many of those private schools in the South have long since closed. Bi-racial couples can go out in public without fear of lynching. The Office of Civil Rights continually checks public and private institutions for signs of discrimination.

Any one is free to criticize this nation and its transgressions; however, you have said before and continue to maintain that for a black person to hold racist views towards whites is excusable. That is where we differ. If racism is wrong, it is wrong. Period.

To hold any other position is to make the same error of those supporting capital punishment: let's kill someone who killed someone to show that killing is wrong.

Peace

No Bob it is not reminiscent of OJ whatsoever. I reject that completely and find it to be an outrageous comparison.

As a haitian-american in the U.S., there are things that make me angry and even disgusted with racial injustice in america.

As someone also married to a white person in the U.S. my anger has not kept me from loving my spouse, his family, and countless friends that we have in common.

My anger does not keep me from understanding that the source of the hatred that often erruppts between races, is more a result of fear, and not taking the time to really understand other people rather than assume you know what they are about.

I read an understanding of that fear into obama's msg and I have hope it will allow people of all types to understand each others frustrations - we have much more in common than our prejudices often allow us to realize.

why can't we hear more about John McCain and his connections to Rev. John Agee (who says america deserved 9/11, among other things)? dear white people (and I am one of you), doth protest too much. so much of what Wright says is absolutely true, which is why we don't want to hear it.

Jeremy, 65: the evil stepmother in the fairy-tale of American government/politics IS religion. Do you think this country would ever elect an atheist?

Michelle Obama said ... and it is repeatdly ignored, that this is "the first time in her ADULT LIFE". This is very important. If Michelle Obama is around Barak's age which is 47, then she is talkig about having pride in the USA in the past 20 odd years.

Not the ENTIRE history of the USA. Just her ADULT LIFE.
I AGREE WITH HER. Looking back at what the USA has done in the past 20 odd years I cant think of anything that is as notable as Barak's rise myself.
Whites are all too eager to play a game of "gotcha" here, they all too eagerly are looking for something to pin Blacks with. Black "racism" is reactionary and done in self defense, white racisim is aggressive and a proven, historical evil.

#70

In fantasy land they have. I don't remember Reagan or Clinton or McCain having to make a speech about the controversial leaders they were connected to.

Is McCain being held up to same standard now?

Wake up, you appear to be the one in a cave.

ab
you make me sad :(

et i agree with you. I think he is so gleaming and charming that we don't look at his ambition and its expression and what it wants to hide from us. Hillary can't go outdise without criticism by the press.

We need a continued movement. This is going to be like guns and gays fears in the last election. We dropped our national efforts at resolution of our iniquities.

I think Barack is just as full of baloney as teh rest of them and so he needs to win on the basis of his merit.

MLK was disliked by an elite not by America. He is our Ghandi if you ask me.

A. You can learn from and agree with most things your pastor says, without blindly swallowing every single word or attitude. Congregations are not mindless zombies.

B. I LOVE my country and I agree with one of the guests: True patriots love their country enough to want to make it better and better and better. True patriots are not so weak and scared as to ignore our faults. We must be brave and strong enough to strive to improve it.

C. Lapel pins do not prove patriotism. North Koreans MUST wear pins of their leader's father or face severe consequences. Why do Republicans want us to be like that? Especially after they twisted the flag pin into meaning support for this war.

Brian,

Michelle Obama was talking about being proud of the POLITICAL CULTURE of America.

Think about it. She said "for the first time in my adult life." She's 43. Walk it back. We were at the end of Reagan, when Michelle Obama was 21 in 1986. Since then, it's been Bush I, Bill Clinton, and Bush II.

In the context of Barack Obama's own critique of political culture -- that's it's not just a Republican problem, it's a problem with the way the Washington game is played -- Michelle's comment is perfectly reasonable.

This debate is very reminiscent of the debates that took place over the quilt or innocence of O.J. Simpson. It clearly shows the racial divide in America when interpreting events.

Oh stop judging Obama based on what his stupid pastor said in a 15-second clip on YOUTUBE. Do we judge all Catholics based on what Benedict spews over in Rome? This is absurd.

I've read that Jeremiah Wright's 'God Damn America' was meant to be an antithetical riff on the words of the song 'God Bless America', in order to highlight the stark differences between what the song says about America and the lives of many black people.

#52

yes I wonder why we haven't discussed Hage?

One must have been living in a cave the last 20 years to assert that conservative politicians have not been condemned in the media for their association with extremist preachers. They have (although I would like it if they were condemned more), and it is not some ridiculous "conspiracy" or "racist double standard."

I hasten to add that in my view, all "preachers" (priests, ministers, imams, etc.) should be ignored all the time - period. But that's another matter.

[This comment - and a few others by this poster - have been removed for violating the WNYC posting policy. Please refrain from name-calling and stay on topic to the discussion on the air. Thanks.]

For your guests: What are the different traditions in the black church that produced Dr. King and Rev. Wright? Why are they so different in tone and rhetoric?

The distinction is not about race, but Barak's past credit to Dr. Wright as his "spiritual mentor". I don't agree with everything that my minister says, but I also don't credit him as a special mentor. Barak has a lot to explain.

I'm sorry, Brian is my hero. He is a fine Jewish American.

Isn't it time we got over the fairy-tale of religion having ANY bearing on the Presidential Candidate?

What does this have to do with policy Brian? I thought it was all about polict. Oh, that's right, If Ferraro makes a racist statement it's just noise and nothing to do with policy. If Obama's preacher makes statements that Obama disavows, it's a big policy question.

Regarding the clip of Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Latching onto the phrase "God damn America" in this clip obscures the ringing indictment of the ongoing policy of America towards its black citizens.

Please address the real content of the message.

dayton

#45

yes...racism has been completey eradicated...which is why we are so hung up on race and are constantly discussing it during the course of this campaign

This country has changed...but this segment and the dwelling on this issue proves it hasn't changed enough!

Is Wright a racist or not? I don't get it.

Bri--You've red-baited during this segment. And, some of your questions and remarks border on race-baiting.

This whole thing is just so confusing to me.

Jeremiad blames the country for certain people's problems, rather than their inability to pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

What I find scary is that white america links God, the United states and being white together.

Brian is jewish and is pro Israel, and wants to bring down Obama!

I think your 2 guests make excellent points... can we Americans look at our history w/o whitewashing, w/o the requisite sanitizing that the Right seems to insist on, the 'my-country-right-or-wrong' attitude which characterizes and demonizes those who disagree with them as liberals or 'blasme-America-firsters'.

Ed Murrow - Dissent is not disloyalty

No Obama is just very smooth and suave - I don't trust his honesty - after all he is a very skilled politician.

Do you think women have an unqualified acceptance of their status in this country?

Is there a difference between Obama having a "personal" pastor and just a plain old "pastor?" Are you implying that his pastor is much more than other people's pastors, and is more of an "advisor" to Obama regarding his philosophy, ethics and point of view? If you're not, you shouldn't use the word "personal" to describe Obama's pastor. As you know, words are weapons and you could be killing Obama's chances for election.

It's amazing how we have all come to spin what everyone else says. And on another note why HASN'T McCain been held up as much to the spewing of that Rev Hage idiotic fool made. McCain made one statement and finito! Why is this discussion here and not the similar McCain/Hage situtaion here too!?

#37

HJS...you say a lot of dumb narrow-minded ignorant statements but that one takes the cake.

If you think that someone who is a person of color from ANYWHERE who then lives in this country does not experience or cannot relate to being discriminated against then you really need to get out of your ivory tower once in a while. What a shamefully ignorant post.

Swiftboating much?

As one of your speakers just said...people are complicated. So, are the issues and scars which surround our history. As whites we expects blacks to just get over things like racism, while we whine away at just having to wait too long at the line at the bank. Kids selling a small amount of drugs are thrown away for life while 'White collar' crimes are forgiven and helped out with liquidity hand outs. Of course they are angry and use strong terms. What should they use? No-one wants to pay attention to them otherwise! Great show...as always... Love and peace!

Hi "A Woman" from manhattan (#26). How intelligent of you. You know if you don't like the episode, change the channel. How democratic and patriotic!

Anyway nobody is talking about the issues taht need talking about and if this puts the issues on the table then it's a good thing to get this on the table

Why are none of the guests a representative of the Parent Church organization? One of the guests (Mr Glaude) mentioned that United Trinity is a member church in an organization which is predominately white. I am interested to know what the parent church thinks about Rev Wright's rhetoric. After all they must have known the style of this pastor long before Sen. Obama. My point is if they thought that he was out of line, he would have been kicked out long ago. The media is not being thorough in its coverage.

The America of today is a very different America than the one responsible for slavery, Jim Crow, and the Tuskegee Experiment.
I take offense at the professor's comments which negated all of the positive changes which have occurred in America. I do not feel IN ANY WAY guilty of or for slavery, Jim Crow, nor the Tuskegee Experiment.

Times change. America is different.

Would you pls ask your guest, who is a member of the Church if Rev. Wright's sermons are always like the ones on YouTube?

Thanks.

new york:

Hillary has been called plenty of other abasing things and disliked for her "unfeminine" ambition.

i don't care what kind of filter anybody is going to put on this rhetoric - maybe fine for one community but unacceptable for the country as a whole

Ok talk about the issues - do not stand there like hitler attacking hillary! not at the presidential level!

Let's see what Barack says about it all.

Brain I think the only reason you are doing this is because you support Hillary. There are so many church's here in the south that the same message is given on any given Sunday. You guys take small clips of a sermon and play it over and over again. You people act as if black people where always treated equally when in fact where treated like animals by White America. For hundreds of years we where told where we could go and could not go by White America. Those words did not come from his mouth! Lets get back to the campagne. Brain are you going to have a discussion about the Racist ministers that are supporting McCain? I think not! Simple!

After going for a long walk Sunday morning rather than endure every talk show’s regurgitation of the remarks made by a certain candidate’s pastor, I find you doing the same thing today. As someone who trained as a historian in his youth, I was occasionally perplexed that at times this nation’s voting turned on irrelevant issues while crises were occurring. Here were are, however, entering the sixth year of war, while our economy tanks and major financial institutions are sold for nothing, and most discussions of the Democratic race have centered on the two Senators’ ethnicity, religion, or gender. Isn’t it time for someone to update James Carville’s famous advise and remind the candidates, pundits, columnists and voters: “It’s the economy (and the war), stupid.”

Re: Michael Winslow:
Sure, the white man is responsible for everything bad in African-American's lives. White men are pouring alcohol and blowing crack smoke into the lungs of African Americans. If you keep thinking like that you will always fail an never be man enough to take responsibility for your own actions. Get real. Why is it that African Americans can make it as doctors, attorneys, politicians and in every other segment of society? You are a racist and as bad as any racist of any type.

Instead of questioning the language used in the speech the context and causes behind the speech being giving should be what is furthered explored. By overly simplifying the question to "Well isn't saying God damn America inflammatory" is simpleminded and just a way of stoking the embers of a fire that should be allowed to die. When is the question "Is saying God bless America inflammatory" asked? It isn't, though is supposes a preferential place for 5% of the inhabitants of the planet over all others.
This goes to show that all matters of faith and religion should be private and, if a politician cannot divorce their faith from their service to this country, they have no place in politics.

Completely disingenuous and absurd to take a 15-second clip, pretend that this characterizes everything that ever has come out of Jeremiah Wright's mouth for the 20 years that Obama has known Wright; then use this utter fallacy to smear Obama as a hypocrite.

why would a 1/2 Kenyan 1/2 white guy who grew up in Indonesia and Hawaii know any more about the black experience in American than I do (white guy from south Jersey living in NYC) I mean I bet I knew more blacks growing up than he did.

I am a white Presbyterian minister who lived 12 years in Chicago. Jeremiah Wright was and is highly regarded for building a church and speaking pointedly to social issues. Most Americans have no idea what the Bible is about. In fact it is highly political. The prophets and Jesus often "damned" the political establishment for being lousy shepherds of the people, for injustice, for oppressing the poor. I spoke for Wright and against government doing wrong, and no one walked out. I warned my parishioners that if they listen to me, someday someone will accuse them of terrible things. What Wright says is no different in substance than King's talk of the "check" that America has written but which Black people have yet to be able to cash. This country is so racist and biblically illiterate that I fear that Obama cannot be elected.

#8

I totally agree. It's interesting how the MCM did not condemn Reagan, and does not condemn Clinton or McCain for the "religious" leaders they have been connected to for years who have said just as immflamatory statements. Isn't that interesting...hello racist double-standard, proof that institutionalized racism is alive,well and kicking and equal domain of the right-wing as well as the supposed liberal left.

And why is it that we are all expected to acknowlwedge the horrors of slavery, segragation (apartheid) and institutionalized discrimination-- but if an African-American should dare express any anger toward america over these shameful parts of it's history and current state of affairs suddenly the right and the alleged liberal left all have a hissy fit? PUH-lease! "Yes, yes it's horrible what this country has done to people of color but how dare you criticize this country for it."

How hypocritical.

My support for Obama will continue, but I believe this speech will be the end of his campaign. Regardless of his comments, many Americans will attribute this issue as a religious issue. And Americans do not have a history of supporting religion in government.

I think "Howard from Brooklyn" makes an excellent point.

It would be great if we could hear from more people like him. Intelligent and thoughtful!

BRAVO!

The narrative at work is that Obama succeeded by not being branded “black,” with all of the associated stereotypes of anger and victimization; and now that the public has seen video of his long time pastor displaying those very stereotypes, Obama is doomed. His campaign can’t be a transcendent embrace of Americans across color, because he is now associated with cries for racial justice; he can’t preach the “audacity of hope” when his minister, who coined the phrase, preaches the gospel of racial despair.

Reverend Wright’s sermon, and the public’s encounter with it, is therefore exemplary of my claim that “race is the radical negative in America.”

...read on at www.radicalnegative.blogspot.com

I believe Obama when he denounces Wright's inflammatory comments. What I can't understand is why Obama remained a member of Wright's church. Imagine if you were a member of a church whose pastor preached peace and harmony most of the time, but once in a while made racist or anti-Semitic comments. Would you remain a member of that church?

Setting the many above ludicrous hysterical comments ("white American devil," e.g.) aside, let's cut to the chase: Obama is clearly lying when he says that he did't know much about Wright's "political" opinions. I have supported Obama (and even volunteered) since last summer, and I am clearly not a Clinton supporter, but now I feel a bit disgusted with him.

There is a lot in this election to blame HIllary Clinton for, but none of this is her fault. Wright is a crazy showboat screamer, and Obama made a choice a long time ago to associate with him. Very troubling - and I say that with great regret.

Btw, attacking Brian as Hillary supporter, and thus biased against Obama, is childish and unfair. This segment is on the air because of Obama's actions.

Oh please...
Oprah quit this church in the early 90's because she didn't like the tone of the preacher...

Obama just wanted/needed black credibility to get into State politics in the first place..

One of the he news clips I saw about this preacher had him simulating "riding" Monica in the White House. Now is that ANY way for ANY clerygyman to act - at any time - especially from the pulpit - in front of children?

Isn't Al Sharpton well educated and well informed too? I'm just sayin'...

did he say "God DAMN, America!" or "God! damn America!" or "Goddam America!"

Let's get sillier and sillier, since this is not really worth wasting a whole segment on. Bla bla bla bla bla. That's what I think of this segment.

the pastor should be allowed to speak his mind. What is unfortunate is if this was from the Hillary camp, it would have been much bigger news and the focus wouldn't be on her pastor, but Hillary herself.

I think now is the time to examine the sermons of all the candidates' pastors over the last 20 years. This is a new game we have. Candidates are now responsible for all the utterances of their pastor. Welcome to the meaningless democracy of the United States. God damn America.

Please! Does everyone agree with everything their pastor says? My pastor (in the days I actually used to go to church) was an idiot most of the time! The nonsense he used to say was embarrassing, but all the timid white people in his congregation politely said nothing (except behind his back in the kitchen, if at all).

Nobody has to take responsibility for everything his or her pastor says. They're just expressing themselves, and nine times out of ten it's just boring. If they say something remarkable and inspiring once in their lives, they've done their job.

The left has teased out silly comments from right-wing pastors for decades. Now the right (or Hillary) is using the same tactic.

I'm sick of these apologists. This guy is a racist and these guest of yours are sickening. They are actually defending that monster. If Oboma gets the nomination, I have 2 words: President McCain, and media such as yours, who are too afraid to ask real questions, will be to blame.

At the "Values Voters" Republican candidates' debate in Ft. Lauderdale, the event was kicked off with a chorus singing "Why should god bless America, she's forgotten he exixts."

Where was the outrage?

i thought obama was very close to Wright. he married him and mentored him etc.

anyone ever listen to wbai. this is common.

black people have reason to be angry

Jesus was a Marxist. Or Marx was a Jesus-ist.

{8}--Here's the difference. J Wright is the pastor of Obama'S personal church. The other clergy are not the personal pastors.

Context (12)? Not interested, would rather rant meaninglessly on this web page.

Welcome to America, where political campaigns are nothing more than popularity contests and slugfests! Obama is not the only politician that has had to endure it! The general election will be far worse!

This guilt by association is unreal. Brian just said that Obama must be about racial recrimination and not reconciliation if he is around that kind of talk. That is outrageous. I know it was a question, but it is erasing everything Obama has said and done in his whole life, his whole career, and replacing it with the statements of his pastor.

Brian is pro Hillary but he wont admit it. So he puts this discussion out as analysis...it it nothing but a farce.

Just some context, if anyone's interested:
http://tinyurl.com/ytcayq

[cut and paste link]

Everything the pastor said was true.

The white American Devil has put African Americans in prison and generally held them down. keeping them drunk and drugged.

Also making the African American fight the white man's wars like Viet Nam.

God Damn America and God Damn the White Devil.

Obama is in the headlights not because of his racial background, etc etc but b/c he is the frontrunner and embodies a hero in the context of modern education. His opponents are seeking reasons NOT to vote for him -- unlike McCain.

I don't understand what's so wrong in what he said. If you don't agree with what Mr. Wright says then refute it ( the same with Mrs.
Ferraro's comments). If you feel offended by it then you might need to do a little introspection. Is this what our Democracy has come to. Actually I am just tired of this crap.Ralph Nader in 08.

I dont understand this fully:
Billy Graham was a transformational figure in Bill Clinton's life, and resposnsable for his baptisim (Re-birth?) Graham has made contriversial and anti-semetic comments, regarding jewish control fo the media, but where is his (Clinton's) culpability? I dont see any.
Are followers of Pat Robertson culpable for his comments about New Yorker's responsability for 9/11 or his statements about the anti-christ being a jewish male living now?
Is this a doubble standard for Sen. Obama or is this situation unique in some respect?

It is really sad to watch all this. Spitzer (D-NY) , drummed out of office on a prostitute; Vitter (R-LA), same transgression passes without a blip. McCain surrounded by haters, welcoming their endorsement (Hagee etc.); passes without a blip; Obama, must answer for every utterance of his church's pastor.

Normally I don't see much bias for (or against) either wing of the corporate party, but I believe I have been seeing a lot lately.

finally we can talk about it, but is it to late to make a difference in the primary?

some knew it would be an issue in the general.

we'll see how it's handled by B'Ob

This issue truly does not bother me. Other religious figures(Hagee, Robertson, Falwell) who have come out in support of candidates in the past have said equally inflammatory things as compared to rev. wright, and their comments hardly get any traction in the media(at least insofar as their affect on the candidates they support).

Based on viewing Obama as a candidate it is very obvious to me that he would not endorse these specific comments by rev. wright. Do people(those in the media gobbling this up) believe that Obama will somehow change as president and adopt a "god damn america" policy? I mean COME ON! This is sooo overblown.

But I fear it could end him =[

I admire McCain for his bravery and have deep sympathy for him regarding his horrible experience as a prisoner of war. But based on his behavior -- probably the result of his time as a POW, I believe he is unfit to lead the country -- don't trust him as a future prez because of the possibility of high levels of hate and possible sense of revenge governing his actions.

Are you placing Obama in that same category -- Shouldn't he, alone, make that decision? If he said what you have then the voters could decide if they, like you, feel yours is the ideal mindset for a US president. But so far Obama has said the exact opposite of what you have with regard to Rev. Wright.

With all due respect and sympathy, poster #1, the controversy over Reverend J. Wright isn't around Hillary defending herself against racism.

It's solely focused on Obama not making a place for racism in his policies by having an openly racist adviser.

I am a strong Obama supporter who welcomes a presidential candidate's distancing himself from hate and revenge -- even when that candidate is black.

Why aren't we we talking about Barack Obama's imam? I thought he was a Muslim? So now he's a Christian and being whacked over the head for things the pastor said when he was now even in the church? Well, I see the invisible hands of Hilbilly manipulating the media and jerking around the people with this story and I resent it deeply. That didn't get traction with the African clothes photograph so now they try this. They will try ANYTHING to undermine Obama's message of unity with the aim of scaring whites into changing their minds about voting for him. It's despicable in the extreme! That woman will NEVER get my vote! Barack Obama has run a decent, positive, clean campaign full of ideas for change with hope and optimism. Obama-Edwards. That's the ticket!

Has Barak Obama ever been called n*****? Yes, he has. Has Hillary Clinton ever been called a n*****. No, she has not. Can Hillary Clinton know how it feels to be called a n*****? No, she can not. So, what Pastor Wright said was true. Why do people not want to hear this truth about quotidian
African existence in the great USA?