by Frank James
11:57 am: More random thoughts on The Speech. Obama is definitely cool, considering the pressure he was under today. He appeared fairly serene even though most commentators were saying the stakes were no less than the his campaign's continued viability. Does he have sweat glands?
Wouldn't it be great to hear Wright give a sermon in response to the Obama's speech? Would he accept Obama's criticisms that his views are a way over-the-top reaction to real and perceived racism? Or would Wright call Obama a sell-out, a "negro", one of the pastor's preferred terms for blacks who aren't sufficiently black enough to suit him?
Of course, we probably won't be seeing much of Wright for the foreseeable future.
Despite today's speech, Obama is going to have to continue to answer questions about Wright and his membership at Trinity United Church of Christ. He appeared to try to set himself up at the end of today's speech to be able to say "I want to talk about the Big Issues" like the Iraq War and the economy.
But that's not going to fly. He spoke honestly about the issue of race today in a way that is rare for presidential candidates. If he wants voters to believe that he meant what he said, he's going to have to continue to speak honestly about it.
This presents a problem for the Obama campaign. He has run a campaign to date that has meant to transcend the race issue. He has not wanted to be seen as an African American candidate.
But now he is squarely in the middle of the race issue. It was bound to happen. He can't avoid it at this point. So he's going to have to deal with it from here on forward. But as he showed today, talking about race doesn't mean you can't talk about the other big issues.
11:27 am: Obama ends with a story he has told numerous times on the campaign trail about how a black man at an Obama campaign meeting said that what concerned him was the economic troubles of a young white woman, Ashley Baia, who had spoken earlier at the meeting. It's a great story, that demonstrates what Obama has tried to do during the entire speech, that Americans are linked, regardless of race.
It was a very well-crafted speech, made better by Obama's delivery. It may have done enough to keep some Obama supporters who began to have doubts about their candidate after the Wright videos erupted on the scene, from defecting. But it won't stop both Democratic and Republican opponents from using Wright to skewer Obama every chance they get.
Will it help him pick up supporters? That's a harder question. The answer is, who knows?
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11:23 am: "We have to be our brothers and sister's keeper", Obama says. Then he goes into a passage of speech that is genius. He inoculates himself by implying that small-minded people can continue to play Wright's sermons or pounce on a mistake by a Hillary Clinton supporter. Or we can take the high road and talk about crumbling schools etc. The big issues. It's an attempt to make people who bring up the Wright sermons etc seem like cretins. It could work.
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11:20 am: Obama continues his critique of Wright by saying his pastor's mistake was to make it seem as the nation was "static" on race, "still bound to an irrevocable past." Obama gets perhaps the longest applause of his speech for this public smackdown of his pastor.
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11:16 am: And this is the part of the speech that will resonate with many white Americans and a whole lot of black Americans: In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience – as far as they’re concerned, no one’s handed them anything, they’ve built it from scratch. They’ve worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.
Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism These may be some of the most honest words about race ever spoken by a presidential candidate.
11:13 am: This is a part of the speech that's going to have a lot of whites looking at their black friends warily: "For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician’s own failings."
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11:10 am: Now Obama moves into a recitation of the U.S.'s racial history, the disparities between white and black America. Schools and legalized discrimination that had an economic impact on black families. This is his way of pricking white consciences and getting the amen chorus going in black America. He then proceeds to say something he has in recent days, that this "reality" is what made people like Wright so angry.
11:08 am: Obama says he heard Wright disparage an ethnic group and that he can no more disown Wright than he would his white grandmother who used to say some bigoted things, who expressed fear about black men approaching her etc. That's a statement that a lot of white people will be able to appreciate.
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11:04 am: There's more to Wright than just the YouTube videos, says Obama. Wright has done a lot of good with prison and AIDS ministries, daycare and many other positive goods. The implied message. This is what I saw. His inspiration is what I saw. Obama quotes from his book Dreams My Father about the powerful religious emotions he felt and observed as he sat through the Trinity Church services. Again, that's what he saw. That's what bonded him to the church.
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11:00 am: Finally, we're at Rev. Wright. Obama says he heard the reverend say some rough stuff as he sat in the pews, things he disagreed with. And he says that anyone who goes to church can relate, that they hear things they don't agree with from clergy. But this blame-America-first stuff that Wright said were "divisive" says Obama and get in the way of solving the big problems like two wars and global warming. These are the things he'd rather be talking about today, that's for sure.
10:57 am: Obama says he has many different, comospolitan influences in his makeup, black and white. "So how can I be a racist or embrace racism?" is the implied message.
10:55 am: Obama starts with the famous words "We the people in order to create a more perfect union" from the Constitution. He talks about how the ideas of the Founders weren't met by the nations actions. There was slavery, after all. It's a lead in to say we're still not perfect as a people. It sets up the notion that he's not perfect, Pastor Wright's not perfect and America's not perfect.
10:45 am: Harris Wofford, former Democratic senator from Pennsylvania is now introducing Obama. He worked in the Kennedy Administration. He actually was the one who suggested in the 1960 campaign that then presidential candidate JFK call Rev. Martin Luther King when the civil rights leader was he was in jail. some say that helped win the election for JFK.
Wofford refers to the speech taking this place "this evening" and "tonight." The delay was long but not that long.
Wofford praises Obama as being a unique individual and likens him to other leaders of that kind, like Lincoln.
Then he tells a story about JFK and King when JFK had to tell King he as president was going to go slow on civil rights legislation for political purposes. It was a meeting Wofford witnessed.
He uses the story to say that Obama has the intelligence, political savvy and passion to lead, something King wondered if Kennedy had.
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We do have an embargoed copy of the speech which we cannot publish until the speech starts. I can say that Obama starts out by borrowing words. This time, they're not his friend, Gov. Deval Patrick's. Instead they are from the preamble of the Constitution, the speech being given at the National Constitutional Center, and all.
Just read the speech quickly. Obama talks about his biracial background. Obama does rebuke Rev. Wright's words sternly. But he doesn't throw him under the bus. He says he won't disown him, anymore than he would disown black America.
He does his best to explain why racism and the nation's sad history still makes blacks so angry. And he says that the nation's racial problems are as much for whites and blacks to resolve.
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10:34 It appears there may be some technical problem. Over the live feed I heard one of the people in a group standing looking at the microphones, "What are the options here?" Another person said "The only option is to have the gooseneck mikes come together." Then they started working on the microphones, causing us to lose audio. Isn't the kind of preparation that should have been squared away by, say, 6 am this morning?
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10:25 am Sen. Barack Obama has us waiting still. It's about 10:25 am, 10 minutes after the speech he was supposed to start. Wonder why the delay? Maybe it's the Secret Service screening on attendees?
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In just a few minutes, about 10:15 am EDT, Sen. Barack Obama will be making perhaps the most important speech of his presidential campaign as he tries to stem the controversy caused by the remarks of his long-time pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Chicago.
I'll be live-blogging the speech and we have Mike Dorning in the room with Obama in Philadelphia. So stick with The Swamp for coverage of this historic event.
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Comments
This will be a defining moment in his political career. I never thought I would see someone that is so close to JFK!! Go Barack! This guy is too smart!!
Posted by: bryan gougis | March 18, 2008 10:19 AM
I wonder who wrote this speech for him...
Posted by: Rob | March 18, 2008 10:25 AM
This speach is going to be a classic. Whites have lost jobs for years for being associated with people who have said less than Wright. I cannot wait to see what the new double standard will be as defined by Obama.
Posted by: Not A Lemming | March 18, 2008 10:32 AM
Full prepared text of the speech. Pretty amazing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/18/obama-race-speech-read-t_n_92077.html
Posted by: JT | March 18, 2008 10:34 AM
"I never thought I would see someone that is so close to JFK!"
In what way? The philandering? The botched foreign policies that almost led us to nuclear war?
Why not wait to at least hear the speech before you declare how brilliant it was.
Posted by: prescott | March 18, 2008 10:36 AM
If he can't successfully coordinate a press conference how is he going to run a country? 15 minute delay so far for technical difficulties? Failure.
Posted by: Paul | March 18, 2008 10:39 AM
Let the Frank James pro-Obama spinning begin...
Any bets that the New Messiah, or Frank James, will mention that Rev. Wright believes the U.S. government created the AIDS virus to kill Blacks?
Just the sort of person I'd want to donate $20,000 a year to. Just the person I'd want to marry me, and to baptize my children. Just the person I'd want to give the invocation when I announced I was running for president. Just the person I'd praise as my spiritual mentor.
Posted by: Arthur Henning | March 18, 2008 10:45 AM
Yes, it is important he address these issues some of the young think are unimportant. I was once young..and had stars in my eyes. I risked my life and marched along side my black friends and went with MLK. I wore a arm band in support of Cuba and Fidel. I've changed my mind in view of history. My belief in Martin Luther King has been changed by the blacks who support Louis Farakhan and hate Jews and scream at them. It is further disintegrated by Trinity Church. I, who went to ever Gospel choir presentation will no longer go. My return visit to Cuba made me cry. The country is a shables, never have I seen such poverty. I brought American dollars both times. I brought bibles to the Jews who can't celebrate their holidays. I live next door to a Kosher bakery and watch as the young children walking to school are harrassed by blacks. I see the blacks protecting the Muslims. I know Israel has given safety to Ethiopians, Kenyans and those from Darfur. Yes, I want to hear from Obama. And, I want to hear from other Black leaders. I will not vote for someone who casually listens to a growing hate. I hate when I hear religion taking a bigger part of politics than humanity. Our country is FREE...religion should allow freedom of all choices except teaching hate, allowing gangs and thievery No religion should allow lies to others to achieve their own goals.
This is not religion of the 21st Century ... and Obama like all leaders of the free world has to answer to all ages.
Posted by: reza santorini | March 18, 2008 10:49 AM
Barack is doing the right thing. To hold him accountable for his pastor's words is a new standard in politics but he has passed it again!
Posted by: John James | March 18, 2008 10:54 AM
I wonder who wrote this speech for him...
Posted by: Rob | March 18, 2008 10:25 AM
Oooh...Rob's on to something. He's suggesting that Obama may get help writing speeches instead of doing it all himself. This is indeed news, as no one in history has ever even conceived of something so outrageous.
Go back to Rush, idiot.
Posted by: a blinkin | March 18, 2008 10:54 AM
Just an observation, but a biracial person that ended up going to Harvard is going to tell us about "why racism and the nation's sad history still makes blacks so angry", and this is supposed to be an "historic event"?!?! Please Tribune...tone down some of the favoritism and TRY to be a JOURNALIST and thus, IMPARTIAL.
Posted by: Forgotten Middle Class | March 18, 2008 10:58 AM
It would seem his speech was written for him by Gouverneur Morris in 1787.
Posted by: Craig | March 18, 2008 10:59 AM
Rev Wright? Hates America. Michelle Obama? Hates America.
Barack Obama-Hates America. Enough said.
The truth has finally come out about mr. barack. I hope people's eyes are open now!
Bill Clinton was right- this was a fairy tale!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 11:05 AM
It's sad that the media pulled this religious stunt. The Black double standard is resonating loud and clear. Let's question Clinton and McCain about their pastors. Why has this never been an issue for white America in past elections? It's OK for whites to proclaim their Christianity but Obama must prove his? Media has never connected another persons words to a candidate in this manner in history. God is frowning down on these make believe 1 hour on Sunday Christians.
Posted by: Jessica | March 18, 2008 11:06 AM
Of course he'd rather be talking about those things...it's MUCH easier to postulate and pontificate about those types of things, and EXTREMELY hard to justify on why, if he knew that Rev. Wright had such divisive things to say and feel, that he would NOT ONLY make the man his official advisor, but would elevate him to such important roles...hmmm...almost sounds...hypocritical.
Posted by: Forgotten Middle Class | March 18, 2008 11:09 AM
Good speech. Let us move on to healthcare, bad schools, getting the hell out of Iraq.
Posted by: John James | March 18, 2008 11:13 AM
I just read his speech online. Are we to believe he wrote this entire speech over the weekend? Let's be real here.
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 11:14 AM
If my church ever said anything that I considered racist I wouldn't be there next Sunday.
Obama stayed 20 years.
Posted by: Kelly | March 18, 2008 11:15 AM
THANK YOU Frank James for your excellent continuous coverage of this speech! I am for whatever reason unable to view the live streaming video from my laptop (and no longer own a television), so you are my lifeline right now to this speech. THANK YOU, because of your efforts i don't feel totally in the dark.
Posted by: Paola Cabal | March 18, 2008 11:16 AM
Jessica -
The "Black double standard"!?!?! Are you kidding?! Please, wake up and be realistic for a second. Do you remember everything that Romney was put through? Maybe if McCain or Clinton had a "personal spiritual advisor" that proclaimed HATE, talked about 9/11 being our just desserts, and talked about God DAMNING America, they might have these issues to, only THEY aren't in that position. It's only Mr. Obama, who has not only been complacent in such rhetoric, but has PURPOSEFULLY surrounded himself with people that think this way. Sad and I pray that the recent rash of questionable ethics questions on the part of Mr. Obama help to open peoples' eyes. If not, we should start referring to him as Obaaaama...since all of the sheep will be more comfortable with that sound.
Posted by: Forgotten Middle Class | March 18, 2008 11:16 AM
Somehow I doubt that Obama, with his millions upon millions of dollars, understands the plight of the black man in America. Please.
Posted by: Brian | March 18, 2008 11:20 AM
“Obama says he heard Wright disparage an ethnic group and that he can no more disown Wright than he would his white grandmother who used to say some bigoted things, who expressed fear about black men approaching her etc.”
Well, I know that I want MY President to be strong enough in character to stand up, confront the bigot, and educate them on why those words are wrong…It’s called BEING A TRUE LEADER…Something that Mr. Obama has just proved to me that he is not.
Posted by: Forgotten Middle Class | March 18, 2008 11:23 AM
Oooh...Rob's on to something. He's suggesting that Obama may get help writing speeches instead of doing it all himself. This is indeed news, as no one in history has ever even conceived of something so outrageous.
Posted by: a blinkin | March 18, 2008 10:54 AM
Fair enough. Abe Linkin actually made a point, albeit rudely.
Brian, there is no indication that just because Obama's former pastor is anti-America, that Obama is too. I'm sure he loves his country just as much as you do, only with different (i.e. wrong) ideology. When we beat him, I want it to be on the issues, not the petty stuff.
And Paul, you can hardly blame the technical difficulties on Obama.
Come on people...quit grasping at straws... you're making the anti-Obama crowd look weak.
Posted by: Steve Hussein S | March 18, 2008 11:23 AM
I couldn't watch because I'm at work, but read the text. Spin it whatever way you want, repeat opponents' talking points, call a politician who has a speech writer (as all of them do) a plagiarist, discount his accomplishments as "luck" ...but this man is going to be the President whether you like it or not.
Posted by: Annie | March 18, 2008 11:23 AM
Lets all fawn over his powerful speech. JFK was a cheating scum in retrospect and as an earlier poster stated, almost brought the world to nuclear war.
And to think that he just sat there quiet and disapproving when Wright was spewing his hatred towards America...sure. Obama was surely up and clapping (AIDS conspiracy and all).
Glassy-eyed Obama supporters unite!! YAY!
Posted by: stepoff | March 18, 2008 11:27 AM
Annie, you said obama is going to be president?
The republicans are just waiting for obama to win!! They are going to eat him alive. They are jumping for joy he will be the dem nominee!
Obama will need the white vote to win. With his relationship with his pastor, he is going to lose that vote pretty badly!!
You think people on the fence will vote for obama over mccain? Let's get real here!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 11:30 AM
Man, I'm so tired of this guy...and I'm an Illinois Democrat.
It's the idiocy of his devoted followers that annoys me. They're on board and they don't even know why. He's the Pied Piper leading the mice. The vague message of "change" is the flute.
Not buying it.
HOWEVER - BRIAN-
this right here...
"Rev Wright? Hates America. Michelle Obama? Hates America.
Barack Obama-Hates America. Enough said."
That's just stupid.
Posted by: lucky77 | March 18, 2008 11:31 AM
I think Frank James may be a bit biased towards obama ya think?? Geez....How bout some objective thought here frank!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 11:31 AM
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Posted by: costel333 | March 18, 2008 11:32 AM
It seems that when the GOP had their "Values" debate last year, they had a choir sing a song before it started.
The name of the song? "Why Should God Bless America?"!!
Read the lyrics to that song, and then tell me how much the GOP loves America, and how hypocritical they are. No one on the stage disputed that song that said that since this country had "forgotten God", it will not be blessed.
Posted by: BobHusseininATL | March 18, 2008 11:32 AM
So basically a class warfare speech masquerading as racial healing. He wants whites and blacks to come together and focus on the real enemy.
Posted by: Susan-Missouri | March 18, 2008 11:32 AM
Obama is worse than the most dishonest used car salesman (with apologies to used car salesman for comparing the Obama to you).
He is trying to pull the old slight of hand trick by focusing on race, slavery and other non-issues rather the key question, which is how can a man who is worthy of the presidency and purports to be a “uniter” and “post racial” have aligned himself with such a hateful, anti-American racist for more than two decades? And he would have continued to be aligned with the hate if the media hadn’t brought the issue forward.
His long-standing relationship is completely contrary to EVERYTHING this guy has attempted to make us believe is all about. Obama is a con man. Nothing more.
Posted by: Jack | March 18, 2008 11:33 AM
Attention Superdelegates: You have found your candidate.
Barack Obama. There's your President.
Posted by: Matt Kuzma | March 18, 2008 11:34 AM
He is the only politician - maybe even public person - who speaks to me and for me. I respect him so much more for speaking out and defining himself and this racial tension, instead of simply denouncing crap and doing the politically expedient "forgive and forget." I just donated another $50. Obama '08 and '12.
Posted by: Marisa | March 18, 2008 11:38 AM
I wonder how Obama can be used as an example by Rev. Wright as the person representing the "poor black man." He was raised by a WHITE mother (Rev. Wright forgot to mention that when he said "single mother"), went to the most exclusive, most expensive, and predominantly white private school in Hawaii (that does not give full scholarships), went on to very "upper crust" Harvard, while his poor black wife went on to Princeton, etc., etc. Go to the street corner and tell the real "poor black men" how they can do the same. If Obama would start portraying himself for what he truly is, a child of privilege who succeeded than I think I would more likely believe in him.
Posted by: Gracie | March 18, 2008 11:38 AM
This speech confirms Obama is the ultimate hypocrite.
Obama has always cleverly used racially tinged language in his speeches such as the words of super Muslim and racist Malcolm X in Spike Lee's movie to incite a mostly African American audience in South Carolina. Coincidence? Of course not – Obama knows exactly what he’s doing.
"They're trying to bamboozle you. It's the same old okie-doke. Y'all know about okie doke, right?... They try to bamboozle you. Hoodwink ya. Try to hoodwink ya.”
--Barack Obama in a speech January 24, 2008 (video available online through Google)
"You've been hoodwinked. You've been had. You've been took. You've been led astray, led amok. You’ve been bamboozled."
- Malcolm X
__________
If any other candidate gave a speech that included phrases from, a white power leader, he/she would be berated by the Obama campaign and the media as a racist, and the world would come to end.
I can’t imagine four years of Obama adminstration’s race games. Nobama. No way.
Posted by: Burke | March 18, 2008 11:40 AM
For all the folks comparing Obama to JFK, you've got the wrong Kennedy. He actually is much more reminiscent of RFK.
Posted by: NSC | March 18, 2008 11:50 AM
This was an inspiring speech from a man who is trying to bring this contry together. There are some who are so closed off from what is really happening out here that they refuse to listen. Their comments say more about themselves than about Obama.
Posted by: Linda | March 18, 2008 11:50 AM
"If he can't successfully coordinate a press conference how is he going to run a country? 15 minute delay so far for technical difficulties? Failure. -paul"
Paul, obama should not be president because some guy botched the AV at one of his few hundred speeches? Please open your mind. That is like saying you would pass on voting for someone because of a stain on their shirt.
Posted by: dr | March 18, 2008 11:51 AM
Wow! Senator Obama is the right person to lead this country.
This was truly a great speech by a real leader.
Posted by: Jim in PA | March 18, 2008 11:51 AM
The Obamabots are solidly behind, always have been, always will be. They were never going to defect.
However, will this win new converts? Will it prevent the drain of disaffected Democrats? No.
Why? Because Obama made a cynically calculated move by injecting religion (and particularly this church) into the campaign. He has even calling Wright his spiritual mentor. So now he is judged by this because he invited us to judge him by this.
This speech will not save his bacon.
Posted by: MJ | March 18, 2008 11:51 AM
Barack Obama likes to let people think he is something special - a new kind of politician. But after pork barrelling for his wife's hospital (which she received a raise of 300% on), cozying up to corrupt Chicago developers and aligning himself with racists, the chicken's have come home to roost.
He would be the worst president this country has had since.... George Bush!
Posted by: Mike | March 18, 2008 11:51 AM
I couldn't watch because I'm at work, but read the text. Spin it whatever way you want, repeat opponents' talking points, call a politician who has a speech writer (as all of them do) a plagiarist, discount his accomplishments as "luck" ...but this man is going to be the President whether you like it or not.
Posted by: Annie | March 18, 2008 11:23 AM
Heaven help us- That is if Rev Wright allows it....
Posted by: JEN | March 18, 2008 11:52 AM
Obama did a good job of navigating a difficult topic without selling out, giving in, or pouring fuel on the fire. I can relate; I support Israel but not all of its policies; I support America but not the Bush administration. I think he spoke from the heart and stressed his "working together" theme, something missing from Washington on both sides of the isle.
Posted by: Mark G | March 18, 2008 11:52 AM
Obama is either a hypocrite or a dupe.
I hope he is a dupe because he seems to be a nice guy, but if he is that clueless about those around him, is he going to appoint Todd Stroger to the Office of Management and Budget and Blago to be Attorney General and then be surprised that there are some issues with them?
Posted by: Dan C | March 18, 2008 11:53 AM
This speech, and the comments of Obama's cult member, sycophant, Kool-Aid drinking followers make me truly terrified he could become president, which he won't. It's going to be absolutely hilarious when we wake up November 3rd with John McCain as president elect, and mass suicides at the Obama kool-aid tub occur.
Posted by: Florida Bear | March 18, 2008 11:54 AM
Forgotten Middle Class, Brian and other members of your "chapter", the speech is over now....why not go outside and see if your sheets are dry.
Posted by: Latka | March 18, 2008 11:54 AM
Obama smokes. Is that smart? Hard to vote for a guy who is irresponsible enough to continue to harm himself when he knows better.
Posted by: Matt | March 18, 2008 11:54 AM
Forgotten Middle Class, Brian and other members of your "chapter", the speech is over now....why not go outside and see if your sheets are dry.
Posted by: Latka | March 18, 2008 11:54 AM
There hasn't been a better orator in American politics since JFK
Posted by: Carlos | March 18, 2008 11:55 AM
Forgotten Middle Class -
Hasn't every single Republican candidate had a 'spiritual advisor' that has denounced a portion of the population. Are we voting for Obama, Hillary, McCain, or one of their associates? I'd be willing to bet that you have (as do I) some associations (friends, family, co-workers) that have said some things that would make you squirm if they were attributed to you.
Obama in '08/'12! Let's get this country out of its shame spiral!
Posted by: Anonymous | March 18, 2008 11:58 AM
Forgotten Middle Class -
Hasn't every single Republican candidate had a 'spiritual advisor' that has denounced a portion of the population. Are we voting for Obama, Hillary, McCain, or one of their associates? I'd be willing to bet that you have (as do I) some associations (friends, family, co-workers) that have said some things that would make you squirm if they were attributed to you.
Obama in '08/'12! Let's get this country out of its shame spiral!
Posted by: Anonymous | March 18, 2008 11:58 AM
I relly think you all are amazing!! Did anyone get it!! Did any of you really read up watch what he had to say?!?!?!? And you wonder why this country is the way it is....
Posted by: Jai | March 18, 2008 11:59 AM
I love the comments made by conservatives about "drinking the cool-aid". I guess they have tried it before when they elected Bush.
Posted by: Mark G | March 18, 2008 12:00 PM
It was a good speech about the problem of race in this country. Unfortunately as a candidate for president he had to deliver a speech explaining to white america why he has associated himself with a man he describes as his close personal friend and mentor; a man who has bashed the United States and vilified white america. On that account the speech unfortunately fell short.
Posted by: madnet | March 18, 2008 12:01 PM
The comparisons to JFK have to end at their ability to speak well in public. Because to compare them politically would be like comparing apples and oranges. The two could not have had more opposing views on how this country should be governed. Kennedy was tough on Communism, believed in a strong and ready to use military, and believed in low taxes and small government. After all he was the one who asked what we could do for our country instead of the country doing it for you. Todays entire democratic platform is expanding the government interference into our lives and having the government do everything for us. The democartic party died in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. It was at that point the radical leftist socialists took over the party and are continuing its leadership today which is driving us closer and closer to socialism everyday.
Posted by: Harry | March 18, 2008 12:01 PM
I hope the other candidates will have and equal time on the media to respond to what Obama stated today. I just cannot accept Obama being so close to this minister and this church and not having an ethical dilema with that association.
Posted by: Ben | March 18, 2008 12:01 PM
Barack Obama's speech will go down as one of the classics in American politics. He is an inspiring orator who faces tough topics head-on. Unlike his opponent who delays and provides vague responses. This country needs someone who inspires, leads and faces issues.
Posted by: Kevin | March 18, 2008 12:02 PM
Truthful. Honest. Insightful. I think the only people this speech won't affect positively are those who refuse to listen/read/understand it.
Posted by: Aengil | March 18, 2008 12:02 PM
Division and Hate is much easier than inclusion and love. This speech could not be more appropriate during Holy Week. For those choosing division and hate, you walk alone and we will pray.
Posted by: Dennis | March 18, 2008 12:03 PM
Latka... please be patient when submitting posts. you mindless drivel is bad enough to read once.
Posted by: Steve Hussein S | March 18, 2008 12:03 PM
I relly think you all are amazing!! Did anyone get it!! Did any of you really read up watch what he had to say?!?!?!? And you wonder why this country is the way it is....
Posted by: Jai | March 18, 2008 12:04 PM
Let us all be angry and embarassed that these options (McCain, Clinton, AND Obama) are the BEST that we can do.
Posted by: Forgotten Middle Class | March 18, 2008 12:05 PM
I could care less about this tempest in a teapot (except, of course, as it presents yet another opportunity for Barack to demonstrate his lead and move beyond these partisan tricks.)
Get back to me when all the right-wingers on here express the same OUTRAGE over their boys Pat Robertson and the like for saying that 9/11 was "God's punishment" for America's sins.
sheesh, what a bunch of clowns conservatives are.
Posted by: Rob S. | March 18, 2008 12:06 PM
All this is is your new and improved "Swiftboating" techniques for this upcoming election. Who cares about actual issues like the Iraq War and it's never ending gobbling of billions of dollars? How about the recession getting ready to kick in for the next two or three years? Instead the media fixates on something moronic like this and the redneck racists are gobbling it up. Ridiculous.
Posted by: MASTER of REALITY | March 18, 2008 12:06 PM
Latka, I wish I could respond but I think we have no clue what you are talking about.
You do know we are talking about obama right? You should put down the cool aid and realize how you have been fooled by obama.
Good day!!! Smile!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 12:08 PM
I thought this was mostly a great speech, and it shows to me that Obama understands racial issues in America as well as anyone, and is uniquely able to deal with racial issues possibly better than anyone else. I could have done without the partisan rhetoric about "special interests" and "corporate greed" though. Not only did they distract from his message, but they injected divisive elements in what was otherwise a very unifying speech.
Posted by: Greg | March 18, 2008 12:11 PM
Kevin, you said this will go down as one of the all time great speeches??
Kevin, seriously- put down the beer and medications.
You realize he still said he will not disown the minister who has insulted america???
Kevin, please for all of us- take a deep breath and remember-education is very important!!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 12:13 PM
How many of us when confronted with racial or ethnic discrimination, directly or indirectly, choose to discuss it openly?
At least Senator Barack Obama is facing the issue and not hiding it under the rug.
Posted by: Destiny Hope | March 18, 2008 12:15 PM
Let us all be angry and embarassed that these options (McCain, Clinton, AND Obama) are the BEST that we can do.
Posted by: Forgotten Middle Class | March 18, 2008 12:15 PM
While I like Obama, I am getting tired of him using the "Holier than thou" attitude to gloss over his mistakes and those of his supporters. Some of those racist comments from his pastor have had to sink in over the years.
Posted by: Tom | March 18, 2008 12:16 PM
Barack Obama has zero qualifications to be president. How an obscure state senator from Illinois got the chance to speak at the 2004 Dem. Convention and in a few short years become a "national political figure" is utterly mind-boggling and makes one wonder who is really behind his empty, absurd campaign.
Posted by: Palash R. Ghosh | March 18, 2008 12:17 PM
Dennis, you stated" For those choosing division and hate, you walk alone and we will pray."
Shouldn't that mean obama and his spiritual advisor mr. wright should walk alone since he is preaching hating white people???? Thanks for making my point!!!
Good job Dennis!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 12:17 PM
Somehow I doubt that Obama, with his millions upon millions of dollars, understands the plight of the black man in America. Please.
Posted by: Brian | March 18, 2008 11:20 AM
He was born into poverty to a father that ran out on him when he was a child. I would say Obama can relate very well to the plight of all Americans who are struggling to achieve their own versions of the "American Dream". Not just blacks.
Posted by: David J | March 18, 2008 12:26 PM
"Barack Obama has zero qualifications to be president. How an obscure state senator from Illinois got the chance to speak at the 2004 Dem. Convention and in a few short years become a "national political figure" is utterly mind-boggling and makes one wonder who is really behind his empty, absurd campaign."
How can obscure Illinois State Senator gain national attention from a series of debates in an election he lost and become POTUS two years after that loss, and guide our country through a bloody civil war?
Posted by: DavePM | March 18, 2008 12:27 PM
I was not able to see it live but I read it. IMHO, this was one of the great speeches of our time, perhaps any time.
Obama has unique standing to comment on one of the most profound issues of our time and has done it eloquently, personally, passionately and impassionately - all in elegant and powerful prose that should both calm and inspire.
If he is not ready to lead our nation to be the last great hope of mankind, then no one is.
Remarkable.
Posted by: David Newman | March 18, 2008 12:27 PM
At the end of the day, whether the speech is presidential or not, would we be allowing ourselves to be talked out of questioning another demonstration of Obama's questionable judgment if we give him a pass on this? In my opinion, yes. I can steal your wallet and come up with lots of compelling reasons why I had to, but at the end of the day, I still stole your wallet.
Posted by: Joe | March 18, 2008 12:27 PM
I feel people who don't get it are people who never will.america I feel a mirrior was put before our face. Examine it and learn fron it. we all bleed red
Posted by: P Davis | March 18, 2008 12:27 PM
Latka,
I find your insinuation extremely insulting. If you don’t agree with my comments, then that’s one thing, but to imply that simply because you do not share my point of view, that I must then be a racist is exactly part of the problem in this country. Please, please, please, take a minute to educate yourself.
Anonymous,
Of course, all of the candidates have a Spiritual Advisor and I’m sure that if those advisors spoke from a core of bigotry and hate, then they too would be all over the news, and I would want to hear about them, just as much as I want to hear about Rev. Wright. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am HOPING for a leader that would be strong enough in his convictions to stand up to those people and work to educate them on why such short-sightedness and “small” ways are wrong and not elevate them to bigger and more influential roles. I certainly would not ask them to marry me, or become the main Spiritual Advisor, as Mr. Obama did.
I know that I am not attributing those words to Mr. Obama, as that would be silly. What really worries me is that he so lacks understanding and judgment when he surrounds himself with such people.
Posted by: Forgotten Middle Class | March 18, 2008 12:31 PM
Sorry but I just can not get over the fact that for 20 years he chose to attend an anti white church. How can you talk about healing the country when every SUnday you are teachin gyour daughters to hate white people. Sorry there is a huge double standard here. Obama should be forced to resign, and I am someone who voted for him in IL. He will not get my vote in Nov. He can not win now. He needs to step aside for the good of the Democratic Party.
Posted by: John | March 18, 2008 12:32 PM
Great speech! I only pray that it will be listened to with an open mind by Americans.
Posted by: Linda | March 18, 2008 12:32 PM
Wow. The racial bitterness evident in some of these comments really underscores the exact points Senator Obama was making, even though the people who voiced those comments will probably never see that. Last time I looked, the Rev. Wright wasn't running for President. His overwrought statements would certainly be pertinent if he himself were a candidate, but otherwise it's just more of the same old tired political crap. Senator Obama has made it very clear he doesn't share these views of his pastor. Nuff said.
For those who want to find a reason to dislike the senator, I'm sure this will suffice. If not, they'll surely find another justification. Me, I'm looking forward to having a president who's smart, who can inspire people with his rhetoric, who's had to make his own way in this world without a rich Daddy and friends greasing the way for him.
And by the way, I'm no glassy-eyed college student. I'm a middle-aged white business owner who voted for Ronald Reagan twice and the original George Bush twice (but never for George W.)
To me, it definitely feels like our country has taken a wrong path for the past eight years, and that Senator Obama is just the man to turn things around. If he loses the nomination to Senator Clinton, I may have to vote for McCain, just because I find Hillary lacking in so many aspects of character and temperment. But my first choice is Obama, and I will be bitterly disappointed if he is not the nominee in the fall.
I'm getting old, but I still believe in the audacity of hope.
Posted by: ejp | March 18, 2008 12:35 PM
First Obama was a Muslim. Now he's not the right kind of Christian. Give me a break! This is the desperation of the Clinton/McCain Republicans.
Posted by: Paul | March 18, 2008 12:37 PM
"How can obscure Illinois State Senator gain national attention from a series of debates in an election he lost and become POTUS two years after that loss, and guide our country through a bloody civil war?"
Now, Obama is being compared to Abraham Lincoln???!!! Wow, let's just forget the election and put Obama in the White House now and put his face on a new penny!!!
Posted by: Palash R. Ghosh | March 18, 2008 12:37 PM
So this speech was a "justification" of his spiritual leaders hate towards "white America", "God Damn America", and why he believes that AIDS was created by our government as a means of genocide towards "Black America".
This was another contrived attempt by BHO to control the dialoge and who can participate in the audience for direct approval. This charade seemed strangley similar to a Reverend preaching to the choir.
Posted by: Packwood | March 18, 2008 12:37 PM
Anyone who has attended a church or parish for any length of time is well aware of what their pastor talks about and believes in. A church is no different than any other community, and the pastor's beliefs, is one reason the congregation continues to go. And those that dont agree with the pastor or church, leave and seek out one that is more conducive to their thoughts and beliefs. People only support those people and things that they believe in. And Obama is no different, in fact, I would have had more admiration for the man if he had left that particular church because of the remarks. In particular the remarks regarding 9/11. We were appalled by other countries cheering the events of 9/11, but are supposed to not care about remarks made in our back yard? Amazing!
Posted by: Michael | March 18, 2008 12:37 PM
David Newman-you said this is one of the best speeches of all time???
How old are you- 1?
Are you joking?
Do you have the red or blue cool aid from obama? What a joke!
I hope all you obama fans do realize that because of his pastor, obama will not become prez!!! Let it sink into your heads now... It won't happen!!
No change!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 12:38 PM
I am a white male conservative living in the Chicago suburbs. I heard the speech on the radio- live. This speech made up my mind that Mr Obama is far more qualified to run against John Mcain than Hillary will ever be. He answered the questions about Mr. Wright but didn't answer why he didn't confront the pastor. This will have to be addressed but isn't as important as getting on with the actual issues any longer.
I found a few problems with the "villians" presented in the speech. Corporations were villified for moving offshore instead of the government being taken to task for making it a tax and union issue. If our government had favorable tax and free markets for labor the companies wouldn't leave. If you want jobs and more stability you create a climate here in the country with stable and final tax cuts to keep people and companies from moving their jobs and production away. This creates a positive economic incentive instead of the left wing vision that companies are evil. It would also create the outside investment needed especially now from foreign investors. WE need to make our economy strong not tax it to death- make investment attractive not a question mark of where taxes and penalties will be in 5-10 years. Stabilization is needed.
Our schools are a mess because of govenrment. You educate our kids with good schools and school choice not unions that care more about featherbedding and waste than our children.
Senator Obama did a great job answering the tough race questions and if he moderates his stance on taxes and making villians out of corporations he could have my vote. But likely he will still be a liberal democrat like Hillary and the rest of the DNC that really don't care to positively address the real problems and solutions rather than advocating for more government spending and waste. The DNC used to be a much more centrist party that I actually would vote for from time to time but they have switched to the left. JFK would not advocate where the party is today and it makes it harder for more moderate voters like me to swallow much of their party line.
Mr Obama could do it though as many moderate conservatives will not be as strongly influenced by most of the DNC's social positions.
I don't support him yet but a combination of Obama and McCain running for the presidency will bring major change to the way the RNC and DNC look at things and likely will bring changes some in the way we as citizens look at the political process. Because that process is shot now with the negative campaigns that the Clintons want to run. Obama running against McCain will bring change to both parties as McCain has done to the RNC. The old school Clintons and Bushes need to be defeated and all of our votes can do it. One side of the change equation is set with McCain and voting for Obama will fix the other side.
Posted by: charlie | March 18, 2008 12:38 PM
I am sorry but when you attend church and the pastor continues to speak hateful words about whites and other things, when you here this week after week and continue to attend you are condoning it. When you here these awful things said and continue to bring your DAUGHTERS there, you are condoning it. I am sorry but Obama is toast. I like him but you can not have a double standard of it being ok to teach hate against white people. Many people have lost their job over much less. Imgaine if Hillary attented a church for 20 years where the pastor spoke hatefully about black people. She would have been forced to resign months ago. I am sorry Obama supporters but there is no excuse for this type of hatred and you all know it. If any of us heard these types of comments from our pastor repeatedly we would have left the church immediately and found another one. Obama is a hypocrite. The Farrakhan link to him was stupid but this one means Obama chose to attend a anti-white church for 20 years. he should step down.
Posted by: Phil | March 18, 2008 12:40 PM
Sorry Obama! A man is known by the company he keeps. Rezko or Wright. What happened to Obama's Judgement here??? Go Hillary 2008!
Posted by: Dee | March 18, 2008 12:40 PM
Seriously. How self-important is this man? One of his supporters said some very controversial remarks, as supporters often do. Address it and MOVE ON. There is a country to run.
Posted by: Justin | March 18, 2008 12:40 PM
Dear Prescott,
It is imperative to know history before quoting it. Bay of Pigs was Kennedy's foreign policy mistake. During the Cuban Missle Crisis he actually prevented nuclear holocaust. Please refer to history books, or google.
Posted by: ralphie | March 18, 2008 12:40 PM
Sorry Obama! A man is known by the company he keeps. Rezko or Wright. What happened to Obama's Judgement here???Can't trust him, he wants it both ways. Go Hillary 2008!
Posted by: Dee | March 18, 2008 12:41 PM
Well, Obama had the guts to talk about what really is an explosive topic. I have to admit some of his points are correct. A lot of people don't talk to their "opposite color" (sorry for a poor choice of words) friends the same as they would their same color friends. This really is a topic that needs to be dealt with.
That being said, Obama has a lot of work to do to try and repair the damage done by the Rev Wright sound bites.
What I can't stand are the hate filled comments by some of these posters. If you can't back it up with facts then you are only perpetuating the hate. Prove it with facts and then list your analysis/opinion. Posting hate or insults shows how stupid and thoughtless you are and only reiterates some of the points Obama was trying to address.
Posted by: Todd M | March 18, 2008 12:41 PM
Just reading this speech made me more hopeful that America can finally begin an honest dialogue about race and ethnicity.
Then I came here and saw some of the same old hate-filled, dumbass comments spewed by the usual suspects and realized it's gonna be a looooong road. The haters will resist every single step of the way.
Watch out, haters, because the bus of change is coming through whether you stand in its way or not!
Posted by: Elanor | March 18, 2008 12:42 PM
These all seem to be Hillary votes anyway, in which case, he wasn't talking to you. These must also be the same people who think he's Muslim, or feel that black people should just "get over" slavery. Racism and Ignorance are not the same thing. But you can't explain things to some people. I've stopped trying. Bless Obama.
Posted by: bs | March 18, 2008 12:49 PM
Hey, great speech laying out the problems. Right on every point.
But it's the solutions Sen. Obama will come up with that has me worried.
How can he possibly address white middle class resentments over affirmative action while addressing the historic residue of discrimination against blacks?
Posted by: qwerty | March 18, 2008 12:49 PM
Let it go people. McCain, Obama, Clinton, yada, yada, yada, yada. We all know we hear what we want to hear during the campaigns. No one is ever really is the "best one" for the job. We just hope we pick the one that is lying less and will tackle the things that matter most at home (medical, soc. security, schools, etc.) One speach is again just words. We should all sit and wait to see actions.
Posted by: jason | March 18, 2008 12:49 PM
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world.
I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it." -- Barack Obama
Posted by: Stevieboy | March 18, 2008 12:53 PM
Elanor, someone who doesn't agree with you is a hater?
I think being the liberal I think you are you should be open minded before opening your mouth.
Your bus of change has 4 flat tires. And is out of gas!! Try again in 2012!!! Obama and his pastor have sunk his candidacy whether you and your bus like it or not!!! ha!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 12:54 PM
I feel that Americans are not being fair to black people, they haven't been since for a very long time, If we have to associate people with people in their past, so all of white America should be held responsible for slavery and segregation in this county which their ancestors has inflicted on this nation. I do feel pastor Wright was outrageous with his comments, but these are his views if the amount people who there at that church every sunday agreeing with him obviously there is something really wrong and black people are really feeling this. I do beleive Obama was aware of his pastors rhetoric but this is the exact point he trying to make which is to change all views on America regarding race, religion etc... This is not fair the way this media is trying to assinate Obama's political career with this you all should be ashamed of yourselves for what you are doing to him, you don't know what pastor Wright has done for his family, so I don't know why you people think that what you are doing can somehow be justified. I think America need to take good look at themselves and judge themselves for a second, this is racist as pastor Wright's views has nothing to do with Obama's Stop this nonsense this is not a valid story on weather or not he would be good president, he could never go into the whitehouse with those kind of view. This would not at all be possible. show me something with Obama making racist comments then maybe I'll take a second look.
STOP THIS NONSENSE!!!! Obama all the way.
Posted by: Nancy Poritire | March 18, 2008 12:55 PM
I listened to Obama's speech today and I think it is one of the best speeches I have heard in my adult life - a call to rise above our racism and hatred of fellow Americans different than we are - a call to understand where another may be coming from rather than relying on two minute sound bites and sensationalism by the media. His speech has earned a place in history and regardless of the election outcome, my grandchildren and their children will be reading about it in their history books. It remains to be seen whether Americans can call forth the best within them rather than the worst - whether we can move forward to solve the great problems of our day together or whether we will continue to be mired in the politics of hatred and distrust. I fear that if we choose the latter path, America's greatest days are behind us. Let us choose the better path as we move forward into the 21st century!
Posted by: Susan | March 18, 2008 12:55 PM
What a joke. This is the most condescending lecture i have heard in a while. Obama is a fraud and won't take long for people to seee that he has no intentions on being pro American values. The democratic controlled media may love this, but real Americans won't.
Posted by: Jeff | March 18, 2008 12:57 PM
Still we have a double standard - a white man must disapear if he is believed to associate with a racist, but Obama is canonized.
Posted by: "The Audacity of Hype" | March 18, 2008 12:59 PM
We are all aware of the scandals in the Catholic Church regarding abuse of children by clergy.
This became public knowledge about the time a young Barack Obama joined Trinity UCC. We all know what those clergy did to kids. We know how many bishops and cardinals stonewalled, did damage control and intimidation against victims to hide the crimes.
Would all the talk show hosts and posters here who would disqualify Barack Obama for attending Trinity also condemn Catholic candidates for listening to those priests speak? For following the leadership of those neglegent and deceitful bishops? For bringing children into those churches?
When will a talk show host condemn, say, a Catholic Rick Santorum, like they condemn Obama?
Ridiculous, you say? I will cop to satire. This arguement only occured to me this morning. I only insist that candidates run for office, not pastors. I would never support Jeremiah Wright for President. I will make room for him unil I hear black pastors and leaders condemn him. Same as I make room for John Hagee and Cardinal George.
Posted by: strut2k | March 18, 2008 12:59 PM
We are all aware of the scandals in the Catholic Church regarding abuse of children by clergy.
This became public knowledge about the time a young Barack Obama joined Trinity UCC. We all know what those clergy did to kids. We know how many bishops and cardinals stonewalled, did damage control and intimidation against victims to hide the crimes.
Would all the talk show hosts and posters here who would disqualify Barack Obama for attending Trinity also condemn Catholic candidates for listening to those priests speak? For following the leadership of those neglegent and deceitful bishops? For bringing children into those churches?
When will a talk show host condemn, say, a Catholic Rick Santorum, like they condemn Obama?
Ridiculous, you say? I will cop to satire. This arguement only occured to me this morning. I only insist that candidates run for office, not pastors. I would never support Jeremiah Wright for President. I will make room for him unil I hear black pastors and leaders condemn him. Same as I make room for John Hagee and Cardinal George.
Posted by: strut2k | March 18, 2008 1:00 PM
Obama said, "Segregated schools mean inferior schools." Not so. Many all-Asian schools are infinitely superior in the success and achievements of their students. All or predominantly white schools (there are none in Chicago) have exceedingly high college-going rates. Private schools, a form of segregation by family income, invariably do exceptionally well in student achievement regardless of race. Common denominator in success? Student commitment to education and family encouragement and support of the student. Perhaps Mr. Obama should look at the reason some segregated schools do not succeed. It is not because of segregation per se. It is because students do not work and study up to their capabilities or receive parental support.
Posted by: Jason | March 18, 2008 1:00 PM
Reverend Wright is correct in his assessment of America: it stinks.
Posted by: a regular guy | March 18, 2008 1:01 PM
Speech fiasco. Nothing Obama said is going to help him in this election. It's OVER.
Obama made a critical mistake in attempting to defend his "mentor" "pastor" and "close, personal friend" Jeremiah Wright. He also admitted today that he was actually in the "church" when Wright made his offensive comments, after lying about it all weekened. Also, Obama had no problem throwing his white, ill grandmother who took him in under the bus while refusing to do so for his devisive "pastor" Wright, an avowed racist, anti-white, anti-semitic, anti-American, pro-Louis Farakaan black supremecy Nation of Islam supporter. Very telling indeed.
There is no defense for the indefensible.
Wright is a disgrace.
Obama hurt himself today with non-black voters.
Obama is OVER.
Obama is UNELECTABLE.
The only question that remains is how fast can the Dems get this toxic loser out of the race before he completely destroys any chance for victory in November???
No VP slot either, too toxic. I'll bet Obama won't even be re-electable to the U.S. Senate after this campaign debacle is over.
Posted by: John | March 18, 2008 1:04 PM
Mr. Obama is placed in a position to defend a black theology in a church in america. He does not go to a status quo church. He is not a status quo american. He is not the status quo polititian who will rubber stamp the conservative agenda.
Posted by: sababu | March 18, 2008 1:05 PM
Actually, I think this speech will resonate well. A lot of us can relate to grandparents (or even parents) who harbored subtle or not-so-subtle racist thoughts (e.g. the aunt or uncle who wouldn't go to a restaurant with a black chef, or who crossed the street if a black person approached him).
Chicago didn't get a reputation for being the "most segregated city" for nothing. At the same time, most of us in the new generation have moved on.
Posted by: KPO'M | March 18, 2008 1:05 PM
Why is it that any white person who disagrees with Obama or is critical of him and his judgement is racist, a redneck, close minded or stupid?
"I am sorry but when you attend church and the pastor continues to speak hateful words about whites and other things, when you here this week after week and continue to attend you are condoning it. When you here these awful things said and continue to bring your DAUGHTERS there, you are condoning it. I am sorry but Obama is toast. I like him but you can not have a double standard of it being ok to teach hate against white people. Many people have lost their job over much less. Imgaine if Hillary attented a church for 20 years where the pastor spoke hatefully about black people. She would have been forced to resign months ago. I am sorry Obama supporters but there is no excuse for this type of hatred and you all know it. If any of us heard these types of comments from our pastor repeatedly we would have left the church immediately and found another one. Obama is a hypocrite. The Farrakhan link to him was stupid but this one means Obama chose to attend a anti-white church for 20 years. he should step down.
Posted by: Phil | March 18, 2008 12:40 PM "
Obama is not sufficiently outraged by what his spiritual advisor believes.
He could have continued to be this mans friend. But by attending his church, he condoned what was said.
I wonder what Sunday School is like in that Church?
Posted by: Kelly | March 18, 2008 1:05 PM
I have never heard any politician or candidate take such a huge risk to speak candidly about America's racial and social problems.
Those criticizing Barak Obama's speech remind me of the following dialog from A Few Good Men:
Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee (Tom Cruise): I think I'm entitled to them.
Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Jessep: You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a world that has walls....
Many people uncomfortable with this speech appear to find it preferable to seek comfort behind their walls instead of acknowledging these issues.
Posted by: Independent | March 18, 2008 1:06 PM
I am not an Obama supporter, but I liked this speech. He recognized the feelings of both sides in the racial divide and gave a good shot at pulling everyone together to solve thr problems. Throwing his pastor under the bus would be like Bush cutting all diplomatic ties to North Korea and expecting them to pony up to his expectations. Foreign policy note: you can't negotiate with someone you're not speaking to. Giving the silent treatment is only effective in Junior High School and below. By acknowledging the different tensions and histories in the matter, he has opened a door for discussion and diplomacy internally. I have never heard ANY politician so clearly acknowledge racial issues and tensions.
Of course he didn't write the speech over the weekend, idiots, he's known he was going to have to have this discussion forever. Mitt Romney had to give the religion speech, Obama had to give the race speech. It's an issue that needs to be addressed, and he did it well. Will I vote for him, no, but because of the bigger issues, not because of race and I am impressed with the speech.
Posted by: kbaann | March 18, 2008 1:09 PM
I am not an Obama supporter, but I liked this speech. He recognized the feelings of both sides in the racial divide and gave a good shot at pulling everyone together to solve thr problems. Throwing his pastor under the bus would be like Bush cutting all diplomatic ties to North Korea and expecting them to pony up to his expectations. Foreign policy note: you can't negotiate with someone you're not speaking to. Giving the silent treatment is only effective in Junior High School and below. By acknowledging the different tensions and histories in the matter, he has opened a door for discussion and diplomacy internally. I have never heard ANY politician so clearly acknowledge racial issues and tensions.
Of course he didn't write the speech over the weekend, idiots, he's known he was going to have to have this discussion forever. Mitt Romney had to give the religion speech, Obama had to give the race speech. It's an issue that needs to be addressed, and he did it well. Will I vote for him, no, but because of the bigger issues, not because of race and I am impressed with the speech.
Posted by: kbaann | March 18, 2008 1:09 PM
I'm not a big Obama supporter and I think the question regarding why Obabma would stay in a church with a paster who thought this way is a valid question. And while I think he answered it about as good as he could have, the question lingers. What astonishes me is the bias and vitriol in some of the comments. Calm down a bit and think before you weigh in. In my opinion it was a very fine speech. As much as I admire McCain, the connection between the Republicans and the religious right scares me. I'm also not certain we're really making true progress in Iraq and sticking it out there may end up being our ruin. So Obama seems a better choice than McCain. I don't see Clinton as some kind of ogre and the people who do seem quite irrational in their hatred of her. But I fear she would fight the Republicans instead of listening to them. Obama's core message of a new more respectful politics seems right to me. At least I would feel like I was listening to a low-intellect frat boy when listening to a presidential news conference.
Posted by: Bruce Holmes | March 18, 2008 1:10 PM
Please; i don't see this guy as really having experiences close to most black people in the US.
HE grew up in Indonesia and Hawaii for christ sake follwed by college, then harvard. I'm sure he experienced racism but, i doubt it compares to the the levels of racism most black people have endured.
He seems liek a great guy abnd very smart. i have liked him since the Ill. senate but, he needs some experience . Also, i would have hoped he's have spent more time helping solve IL problems rather than use his entire time in office campaigning. I know it's not his doing, he was ewncouraged by so many to run becasue they have some sort of weird crush on him
he's just a man he is ot a god
Posted by: pete mechales | March 18, 2008 1:11 PM
Going to church is kinda kooky. But it seems American politicians can't not do it.
Posted by: David Jordan | March 18, 2008 1:14 PM
Barack Obama today - "I can no more disown him (his preacher) than I can my white grandmother."
So his grandmother as well as his preacher of 20 years said all these negative, racist things and he admits it - WOW!
Wake up you liberal sheep
Posted by: Knock | March 18, 2008 1:16 PM
What kind of man drags his grandmother, who loved him and helped raise him, into something like this and draws an equivalency between her and a vile, racist con man ranting from a pulpit? Remember grandma was speaking in private. The rev is a public figure in a public forum. a forum he has used much to his personal financial advantage.
You don't get to choose your grandma. You do get to choose your church, your pastor and you can always get up and walk out.
The real Obama has been unmasked.
His speech is just more hackneyed platitudes strung together to appeal to the emotions. Typical democrat emotionalism. Symbolism and hand wringing over substance and specifics.
If slavery is america's original sin what is africa's? Slavery was and is still practised there. What about the rwanda and darfur and the legion of corrupt dictators?
Obama/Wright = Communism, liberation theology and self-serving hypocrisy; preaching and reaching in the name of God.
Grandma??? What a creep.
Posted by: Luke | March 18, 2008 1:17 PM
obama & company: how did the greeks get over this "slavery thing" from years past , as well as , dozens of other cultures
i don't dislike any type of person - we are all god's creations, but i can't accept/follow the logic spewed out by too many of the so called black leaders.. who are in reality self serving -- they should be saying (and i'm sure many are, but not getting publicized) "we" need to get the kids educated, get the kids off drugs, get the kids a traditional lifestyle (mom&dad); - and then Not end it with, But White America is too hard on us -- just do your best to do the right things and make the sacrifices that every ethnic group goes through to succeed
a first step would be listening and emulating the black people who have grown to power through hard work and talent -- But NO - in a lot of circles, Rice, Powell and Thomas aren't even considered true black by a lot of the extremist - because they have succeeded..... what kind of upsidedown message is that to give your own kids????
Obama is starting to sound just as self-serving.... we'll see.
Posted by: youdumbme | March 18, 2008 1:21 PM
obama & company: how did the greeks get over this "slavery thing" from years past , as well as , dozens of other cultures
i don't dislike any type of person - we are all god's creations, but i can't accept/follow the logic spewed out by too many of the so called black leaders.. who are in reality self serving -- they should be saying (and i'm sure many are, but not getting publicized) "we" need to get the kids educated, get the kids off drugs, get the kids a traditional lifestyle (mom&dad); - and then Not end it with, But White America is too hard on us -- just do your best to do the right things and make the sacrifices that every ethnic group goes through to succeed
a first step would be listening and emulating the black people who have grown to power through hard work and talent -- But NO - in a lot of circles, Rice, Powell and Thomas aren't even considered true black by a lot of the extremist - because they have succeeded..... what kind of upsidedown message is that to give your own kids????
Obama is starting to sound just as self-serving.... we'll see.
Posted by: youdumbme | March 18, 2008 1:22 PM
these blogs are worthless- yopu have to acxtually wait for hours to get your point posted.
it's just too frustrating too sit thete waiting for your post bt, yet you allow posts by people using the moniker of Olga Fokyerself! It's actually there at about 12;13 poited. yso, iut's obvious your doing a poor job screening these posts. this is pointless goodbye
Posted by: pete mechales | March 18, 2008 1:25 PM
Listening to Obama today I understood something important about what this nominating contest means to him. As much "appeasement" as may or may not have been intended here, what I heard were the words of an individual to whom the most important thing about what he wants to accomplish is how he will feel about himself after the contests are over, where he stands with regards to his own integrity, and where the people stand with whm he has built relationships over a lifetime. A commenter here has indicated that to listen to pastor Wrights speeches is to condone them; to subject his daughters t Wrights speeches is to condone them. It is a view of selfhood and parenting that are self-reinforcing at the cost of both reality and meaningful understanding. Not because i disagree with the views of radical Islam, for instance, will I shut off a pro-radical-islamic broadcast. I very much feel this is a bellwether speech which will distinguish those who vote with their fear from those who vote with their hope.
Posted by: Paola Cabal | March 18, 2008 1:27 PM
What people are missing is not that Obama is capable of an eloquent speech but how honest he is when he doesn’t have to be. Let’s look at the entirety of his response to the Rev. Wright and Rezko matters. A timeline on what he said and when can be quite telling and what you’ll find is more of the same and certainly not someone very different than most politicians in Washington.
Posted by: Realits | March 18, 2008 1:28 PM
Deal with it.. He'll be the democratic nominee.
Bash him all you want but the guy has my vote.
Posted by: ron | March 18, 2008 1:28 PM
What people are missing is not that Obama is capable of an eloquent speech but how honest he is when he doesn’t have to be. Let’s look at the entirety of his response to the Rev. Wright and Rezko matters. A timeline on what he said and when can be quite telling and what you’ll find is more of the same and certainly not someone very different than most politicians in Washington.
Posted by: Realits | March 18, 2008 1:28 PM
Does anyone understand how these politicians denounce "Washington" but fight like hell to be the head honcho in that town of Soddham and Gemora? The problem my friends is this young man was seen as the coming of the Messiah and no one bothered to question where he originated!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jan | March 18, 2008 1:31 PM
What people are missing is not that Obama is capable of an eloquent speech but how honest he is when he doesn’t have to be. Let’s look at the entirety of his response to the Rev. Wright and Rezko matters. A timeline on what he said and when can be quite telling and what you’ll find is more of the same and certainly not someone very different than most politicians in Washington.
Posted by: Realits | March 18, 2008 1:31 PM
It is clear to me by some of these comments that many responders here want Four(4) more years of Bush. Well, you'll get him with McCain. More of your 612 Billion or 12 Billion per months of your tax dollars to secure gas is 3 dollars a gallon by destroying yet another Third World country. Four more years of your industries/factories in China and India and Vietnam and Indonesia. More of the same old lies; because frankly, those of you who hate Obama and try to tie what someone else said to him are the same people who are not going to vote for Hillary Clinton either. Don't you get it: The Right Wing Republican Machine, the dressess up Patriotism and Democracy in the American Flag is the same group who are sending your jobs overseas, running up the deficit, letting your infrastruture go to hell, and lying in bed with Corporate American who are "fleecing" you be time with sales and every other Tax you can't afford. The cry "more big government" by Liberals; yet, the National Budget was Balanced when the took Power in 2000. Look at it now. And who do they blame: Terrorist and the Liberal Democrats; when they controlled congress in the first term of Mr. Bush.
Posted by: American First | March 18, 2008 1:33 PM
Somehow I doubt that Obama, with his millions upon millions of dollars, understands the plight of the black man in America. Please.
Posted by: Brian | March 18, 2008 11:20 AM
Brian, are you saying a Black man cannot possibly understand the plight of "the black man" unless he is poor? This is one of the reasons why resentment still exists - because there is such a lack of understanding.
Wealthy or not, he is still Black and the eyes of bigotry looks at the color of your skin, not the contents of your wallet.
Posted by: Donna | March 18, 2008 1:34 PM
Senator Obama has just given the most important speech of my lifetime. I envision reading this speech to my future grandchildren.
Senator Obama is black and he is white: he is America, and he is America's leader for the 21st century.
I am profoundly moved and in awe of how this Harvard Law Review president addressed, and nailed, every point of which he has been the target, and then how he lifted America into a Socratic discussion as he reminded us of our Founding Fathers' roots, their all-too-human decision to put off until the next generation the question of slavery, to today's lingering vestiges of the Civil Rights movement and the failure of welfare reform.
Quoting William Faulkner's "..the past is with us," was brilliant. We are still resolving the Civil War, just as we are still resolving the Vietnam War. Our past is in us, but we CAN and we WILL come to America's side to help form a more perfect union for our children and grandchildren.
All of us who heard and saw his speech today are America's future. We are America.
With profound thanks to the greatest statesman of my lifetime, Senator Obama's speech today is the starting point of America's 21st century glory that builds upon its illustrious and compassionate past and achieves its destiny.
I have never been so moved by America's greatness than I am today, a day which is my late mother's birthday. A day when she too would have been so proud.
I respectfully request that journalists, both in print and on television do not, whether for the best intentions or for ratings or corporate profit, parse this moment into nothingness. It was greatness. Let it be seen for the greatness it is.
Posted by: Nancy in Connecticut | March 18, 2008 1:35 PM
The people who are for obama will continue to follow him blindly to the edge of the cliff. A speech cannot change what he is, and what he will bring to the Presidency if he is elected. I just pray that sanity will prevail and keep that from happening.
Posted by: RFB | March 18, 2008 1:35 PM
Actually, I think this speech will resonate well. A lot of us can relate to grandparents (or even parents) who harbored subtle or not-so-subtle racist thoughts (e.g. the aunt or uncle who wouldn't go to a restaurant with a black chef, or who crossed the street if a black person approached him).
Chicago didn't get a reputation for being the "most segregated city" for nothing. At the same time, most of us in the new generation have moved on.
Posted by: KPO'M | March 18, 2008 1:36 PM
It was an awesome and historical moment... my feelings are perhaps akin to those who heard the "I have a dream" speech or the "Ask not what your country can do for you" speech. I am so fortunate to live in the times of ALL these great men. The more I learn about Barack Obama, the more remarkable I believe him to be. He's our country's best hope. I pray enough others see it this way too...
Posted by: P Mikkelsen | March 18, 2008 1:38 PM
Brian et al: It's possible to disagree in a civilized way. Unfortunately you and others such as Jeff have no idea how to express your views in a civilized manner.
Many of the comments here, including yours, are rehashing the same old rigid viewpoints that stand in the way of change for the better. The nonsense about 'he's really a Muslim' an 'empty suit' a 'fraud' 'he's responsible for every word his pastor said' (Of course, no one ever calls out a Republican for having a wingnut pastor!) You have picked up all these slurs and buzzphrases from hate radio and TV and you fling them around like a monkey flinging feces. Why are you so full of hate?
Posted by: Elanor | March 18, 2008 1:39 PM
Cooked. He defines the entire American experience as a conflict between black and white races. But he doesn't want to be either. He doesn't want to be white -- he trashes his white grandmother by making her seem like a foul-mouthed bigot. He doesn't want to be black either -- he distances himself from the American black experience, by reminding us that his black heritage comes via Kenya and only his wife and daughters have the slavery heritage. I'm very offended. I had no idea blacks were still so angry.
Posted by: Gennavette | March 18, 2008 1:41 PM
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world.
I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it." -- Barack Obama
Yet BHO still won't wear a pin of the American flag on the lapel of his suit. Seems to me his actions of whom he does business with, his stereo-typing elistist judgements of others, and the lack of accomplishing any real substantive policies in any office he has held, speaks much of him and his empty rhetoric of change.
Please anyone show me the "change" BHO has accomplished, otherwise his well-spoken words have no real value to back him up of a man who can actually provide such "change". It is one thing to speak of change, but he can't change to embrace this country to even symbolically wear a pin of the flag of this great country he wishes to lead.
Empty on words, empty on actions.
Posted by: Packwood | March 18, 2008 1:41 PM
Those who hide behind the veil of cynicism or political opportunism will, predictably, take this speech and see it as simply hyperbole or overly intellectual, or ...whatever.
What is in fact occurring in this speech like that of Obama's candidacy and campaign generally, is that it represents a challenge to the American people and just as importantly, the media, that has been lacking for some time.
A challenge to elevate the discourse and mindset beyond that of the need to play the blame game. A challenge to dig deeper and actually challenge one's thinking and understanding, rather than simply and conveniently hiding behind entrenched opinion and beliefs.
Up to the task?
Posted by: J Forest | March 18, 2008 1:46 PM
The 2008 WORLD ALMANAC states the USA population to be 301,139,947 showing ethnic groups consisting of White (82%), Black (13%), Asian (4%), Native American (1%). Given the facts, the issues, and the current situations of race, religion, and name ... "Barack Hussein Obama, Jr." is simply not elect-able.
Posted by: Stevieboy | March 18, 2008 1:46 PM
Didn't see it delivered, but have read it twice. It is remarkably similar to the speeches Rev. Jesse Jackson delivered at the 1984 and 1988 Democratic Conventions. If you don't believe me, read them yourself. Here is the link to the 1984 speech (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/jesse/speeches/jesse84speech.html); and here is the link to the 1988 speech (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/jesse/speeches/jesse88speech.html). Therein lies the problem. Rev. Jackson could not get over this issue in either of his campaigns. Senator Obama had a chance to get over it, and given his primary victories clearly was on the way to getting over it, but his rhetoric now rings hollow given his twenty year association with Rev. Wright. He cannot bridge the racial gap when he is so closely allied with someone who is so far on the other side. Senator Obama did not have a choice as to who is grandmother was. He did have a choice in who is pastor was, and he chose poorly.
Posted by: vicar | March 18, 2008 1:46 PM
Through his speech, he has taken a Pastor on the South-Side who said that the US is run by “Rich White Devils”, and made him into a US Marine that bleeds inspiration and baptizes children.
In one collection of words concerning “Race”, this crafty man has solidified his bid to become president, because any attempt to challenge him otherwise will be a direct submission to racism. If he were to lose his bid for the Democratic Nomination, or the Presidency for that matter, it would now be coined by the media as a complete racial injustice….and you thought the riots in LA were bad for Rodney King.
Posted by: McLovin | March 18, 2008 1:49 PM
Political utterings for damage control.
Obama is giving his very best spin so he can have it both ways. He doesn't want to disown his radical mentor and he wants to make all non-blacks think he will look after their interests. All things to all people or fool as many as you can so as not to lose too many votes. Good try, Barack
Posted by: Jay | March 18, 2008 1:50 PM
Obama has the audacity to think his race would not end up being an issue in running for President.
He was forced to deliver a speech on race in America. Obama can not condemn black churches anymore than any other politican can.
We live in a most segregated society on Sunady mornings.
Wright was denied admission into white churhes in the 1960's. The descendants of those that denied him access are calling him the wrong kind of christian.
Posted by: Denise | March 18, 2008 1:51 PM
You have got to be kidding me. Enough flags behind you, Obama??? Posters here are calling him "brave"...brave after spending 3 days concocting a speech to fool all; written by who knows how many speechwriters, and with no press conference afterwards? What a coward.
Posted by: pat | March 18, 2008 1:52 PM
Obama has Ted Sorensen to thank for his great speeches. Sorensen was an advisor/chief speechwriter for JFK. He came out of decades-long retirement to stump for Obama and write for him. This speech has been waiting in the wings for several months, without a doubt. A very good speech.
Posted by: tc | March 18, 2008 1:56 PM
I am sick and tired of the synical, rhetorical and hateful comments made by American people. Obama is correct...we can not solve our countries problems, by blaming others, being hateful, being devisive...at some point we have to be honest and say that WE the American PEOPLE have to clean up our act and get it together. Not just for the individual but for everyone.
I agree with Obama and I absolutely love the fact that he can take a stand and say..."I don't agree with everything my pastor says...but I can not disown someone who has brought me closer to GOD!!!! Isn't that the point...it seems as though a lot of you either missed that or simply ignored it!!!
For the first time in my life time we have a canidate that actually stands for something truly GREAT...not someone interested in maintaining the current "status quo".
Which would you prefer???
Posted by: MLE | March 18, 2008 1:58 PM
I find it extremely interesting that after reading all these blog comments the Tribune would choose to accent the "JKF" comment on page one of its website. Clearly your website staff (along with the editorial staff) are just a teeny bit biased. What happened to journalism? Please return to it before I cancel my subscription.
Posted by: Helena | March 18, 2008 2:00 PM
I've walked out of lectures, synagogues, churches, school halls and concerts where racist and divisive positions were stated...where they were wrong and biased. Obama and any black can do that too.
We are free to stand up to bias.
If you are not satisfied with your education, work harder, if your kids are getting bad grades, look within your household, if you are without a job, you are not alone. Obama and his wife managed to get an education...why and how? So did Bill Cosby. So did Elie Weisel and Martin Luther King. So did Lincoln. Taking things away from the rich won't make you richer...taking advantage of what you have will. Fighting without guns, without stealing and standing up for yourselves and learning is the way. Whites are suffering as well.
Posted by: merle lynn | March 18, 2008 2:01 PM
BRAVO OBAMA! Courgage and honesty. Challenging us to focus on real issues, instead of tearing each other down.
A side note, I have so much compassion for his church right now. I have sat in my own protestant church and have heard many political views that I disagree with and that the "religion police" would criticize. Guess what? I was married there and baptized there and take my child to services. The main Gospel of love and forgiveness keeps me there. You will never find a church if you leave everytime something controversial is discussed. Maybe I'm naive, but I think most Americans are smart enough to see past this "swift boat" campaign against an entire church.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 18, 2008 2:02 PM
Barack Obama comes along and not only offers hope to a disillusioned electorate, but consistently proves he has the right stuff. All you morons can do is rip him apart like an angry mob.
You diserve four more years of Bush.
McBush 2008 because you right wing retards deserve nothing better. Now finish your kool-aid.
Posted by: McBush Family Value$ | March 18, 2008 2:03 PM
Someone says Obama is 'close to JHK'-that's wishful thinking, if not a joke.
Obama keeps bringing up his 'judgment' as his strong point, then turns around and tells the Trib that he had lapses in judgment when dealing with Rezko. ??
The guy has the gift of gab, as do most flim flam people.
Posted by: Jeff | March 18, 2008 2:07 PM
So he's a member in good standing of a hate-filled, racist church. glad he admits it and there is no way I could vote for a racist like him.
Posted by: jim | March 18, 2008 2:08 PM
What a stupid poll question. Do you think the speech will help or hurt Barack Obama's campaign? Seriously, that is worth a poll? Isn't it a rhetorical question?
How about this question. Do you think that Barack Obama explained what specific views of Jerimiah Wright he disagrees with? NO
Did Barack Obama say he would no longer attend the church were this hate is spewed? NO
Did Barack Obama say anything about how he has confronted Jeremiah Wright for the things he has said and told him he would no longer attend the church if he continued? NO
To paraphrase what it says in the Bible, You know where a man's heart is by how he uses his money. I think Barack's $20,000 tithe/offering to Trinity United Church of Christ and Rev. Jeremiah Wright says it all.
I hope this situation causes Barack to re-think his view of America. I am sure Michelle will not be proud of America again if Barack goes down because of this issue.
Posted by: Siouxperman | March 18, 2008 2:08 PM
What a stupid poll question. Do you think the speech will help or hurt Barack Obama's campaign? Seriously, that is worth a poll? Isn't it a rhetorical question?
How about this question. Do you think that Barack Obama explained what specific views of Jerimiah Wright he disagrees with? NO
Did Barack Obama say he would no longer attend the church were this hate is spewed? NO
Did Barack Obama say anything about how he has confronted Jeremiah Wright for the things he has said and told him he would no longer attend the church if he continued? NO
To paraphrase what it says in the Bible, You know where a man's heart is by how he uses his money. I think Barack's $20,000 tithe/offering to Trinity United Church of Christ and Rev. Jeremiah Wright says it all.
I hope this situation causes Barack to re-think his view of America. I am sure Michelle will not be proud of America again if Barack goes down because of this issue.
Posted by: Siouxperman | March 18, 2008 2:10 PM
To all of the Obama-bashers out there, I have to say that you are COMPLETELY missing the point of his speech. Maybe you were confused by hearing actual complete and sane thoughts coming from a politician. Maybe you are confusing the feelings of pride in America as fear of a black man.
You see, we ALL should be celebrating in Mr. Obama's grasp that we the people of the United States of America are citizens of a nearly dream state, where we ALL have freedom of speech. And even though you may be opposed to what another person says, and would stand against what he or she believes with all your heart, so still HAVE to acknowledge that person's RIGHT to say it. THIS is what Mr. Obama is doing.
He came out and said that he does not support Rev. Wright's politics of hate, but supported his RIGHT to freedom of speech.
What Mr. Obama went on further to say is that, although he is not naive enough to believe he will fix the race issue, he hopes to see the issue be put to rest. I personally cannot wait to see this happen so that a man or woman can be, to quote, "judged by the quality of his character and not the color of his (or her) skin."
I am thankful that there is finally a politician in my lifetime that can stop to make me think instead of gag. Better yet, he stops to make me feel; and the feeling is hope. Mr. Obama's words will hopefully be remembered with the same reverence as JFK's and RFK's. If he can win, we can truly look with hope to the next 4 (or maybe 8) years.
Posted by: Tom | March 18, 2008 2:11 PM
We have a winner. Obama has won the speech contest. Give him his blue ribbon and a plaque.
Now, can someone please focus on some issues? I don't give a damn how well a person can speak; I want someone to TELL ME SOMETHING I DON'T ALREADY KNOW!! Like how in the hell do they plan to solve our Country's problems? By standing around singing Kumbya?
Posted by: Teresa | March 18, 2008 2:17 PM
I once saw Barack as a brilliant man. Now, I wonder how he could sit in those pews for 20 years without stopping the tirades in the pulpit. If the situation were reversed, he would say he didn't understand how Hillary could have sit there for the 20 years. And, then, tell us she should be judged by her actions, not her words We now need to remember his actions, not his words- no matter how pretty. He is no JFK. JFK was sincere in what he said.
Posted by: rita | March 18, 2008 2:20 PM
"I can say that Obama starts out by borrowing words. This time, they're not his friend, Gov. Deval Patrick's. Instead they are from the preamble of the Constitution..."
- Frank James
Dastardly! Using white people's words against them. That's the oldest trick in the book.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | March 18, 2008 2:27 PM
I heard and read the speech. My background..neutrality. The candidates are three that intrigue me. Obama is the one that I know the least about. He is certainly the most charismatic and eloquent, but appeared to be the least experienced. It is with great interest, therefore, that I listened to his speech and later read the text.
Someone stated ealier that it was remarkable. Indeed. The topic is explosive in this country. He handled his excursion through the minefield of racial relations in this country with the agility that only someone who is both black and white could do. He touched on the anger and frustration of both groups without siding with either. Instead he conveyed an understanding of both views from the unique perspective that only someone with his background can have.
I am still digesting this. It was indeed remarkable, both in delivery and content. I will have many thoughts, I am certain, over the next few days, but my first impression is that Obama has done something special.
Posted by: Gus | March 18, 2008 2:28 PM
Obama lied! Two days ago he said he was never in the church for any of the hateful, racist sermons - yet in his speech - he says he was!!! which is it? He says he's a new kind of politician but I think we've had our share of double talking con artists! He should be a man and take responsibility for his actions (ala Trent Lott)
Therefore - he should bow out of the election and step down as the Senator for Illinois. If not - McCain should thank him when he cruises into the presidency - very similiar to the way Obama got into the senate.
Posted by: sick of dirtbag politicians | March 18, 2008 2:35 PM
I thought that this speech brought out some crucial truths and I applaud it. People tiptoe around the issue of race. Race does matter in that it defines our experiences and how other people perceive us and to claim that we are blind to someone's race means we are ignoring what makes a person what he/she is.
I've observed that many people have short memories and/or little knowledge of our history. We don't understand the very strong impact the legacy of slavery and discrimination still has. We don't give credit to the fact that for many years many blacks and whites worked together in the civil rights movement to effect change. We don't realize how even as short a time as 20 years ago technology, immigration, and a world economy had not affected the U.S. job situation in the way it does today. There were good jobs for skilled workers and the middle class was not be squeezed out.
So is it any wonder that different groups distrust each other? Is it any wonder that people of Reverend WRight's generation harbor ill feelings?
Obama basically states that instead of blaming people for feeling the way we do, let's move on and improve how things are. People are going to feel how they are going to feel and that should not give us an excuse for remaining stagnant or living the in the past.
Posted by: lezah | March 18, 2008 2:40 PM
All I know is, if these things were said in a white catholic church (which would never happen, by the way)and we were to blaspheme God, our country, and African Americans, there would be such an uproar as to never hear the end of it. In fact, as past history shows us, someones head would have to roll; Presidential Candidate or not. Mr. Obama has the right to go to any church he wants to; support any militant, angry, white-hating pastor he wants to, but - God Bless America, Mr. Obama, because I don't have to vote for you. I waited to hear your speech today, and up until that point you had my vote...You have lost my support, and I think after the April 22nd Primary in PA, your goose will be cooked.
Posted by: JO | March 18, 2008 2:41 PM
All I know is, if these things were said in a white catholic church (which would never happen, by the way)and we were to blaspheme God, our country, and African Americans, there would be such an uproar as to never hear the end of it. In fact, as past history shows us, someones head would have to roll; Presidential Candidate or not. Mr. Obama has the right to go to any church he wants to; support any militant, angry, white-hating pastor he wants to, but - God Bless America, Mr. Obama, because I don't have to vote for you. I waited to hear your speech today, and up until that point you had my vote...You have lost my support, and I think after the April 22nd Primary in PA, your goose will be cooked.
Posted by: JO | March 18, 2008 2:42 PM
Obama makes a good speech, but he is wrong on most of the issues. And to rip on his grandmother in order to justify the ignorant rantings of Rev. Wright is just pathetic.
Posted by: Tea party | March 18, 2008 2:48 PM
Mr. President.
Posted by: Dan M | March 18, 2008 2:50 PM
Senator Obama handled himself with great dignity. His comments should make us all stop and take a look at ourselves. Let's focus on the REAL issues and help him help us do something about schools in need, hungry children, homeless families, scholarships for young people who want to go to college, our economy, saving homes from foreclosure and most importantly bringing our troops home. We need to build a BETTER America than the one we have right now. I think Barack Obama can help lead us in the right direction! Kudos to you, Mr. Obama! You're on the right track; destined to make a difference of monumental proportion in the country we know and love! Thank you for being brave enough to accept the task that you have been divinely selected to do!
Posted by: Melissa | March 18, 2008 2:53 PM
Reverend Wright is his pastor??? That ingrate! After all of the spiritual advise I gave him......
Posted by: Reverend Rezko | March 18, 2008 2:55 PM
A man destined to have his portrait on the next batch of $3 dollar bills.
Posted by: John Hetman | March 18, 2008 3:03 PM
Obama for change , well then I say if your sitting in the pew every Sunday and your not agreeing with the hate speech your (pastor) spritual leader is preaching , then you get on your feet and find a new place of worship, unless you agree with what the sermon is about . If you can't stand up for change on that level how do you change a country ?
Posted by: Nick | March 18, 2008 3:03 PM
Obama for change , well then I say if your sitting in the pew every Sunday and your not agreeing with the hate speech your (pastor) spritual leader is preaching , then you get on your feet and find a new place of worship, unless you agree with what the sermon is about . If you can't stand up for change on that level how do you change a country ?
Posted by: Nick | March 18, 2008 3:03 PM
Obama for change , well then I say if your sitting in the pew every Sunday and your not agreeing with the hate speech your (pastor) spritual leader is preaching , then you get on your feet and find a new place of worship, unless you agree with what the sermon is about . If you can't stand up for change on that level how do you change a country ?
Posted by: Nick | March 18, 2008 3:03 PM
Obama for change , well then I say if your sitting in the pew every Sunday and your not agreeing with the hate speech your (pastor) spritual leader is preaching , then you get on your feet and find a new place of worship, unless you agree with what the sermon is about . If you can't stand up for change on that level how do you change a country ?
Posted by: Nick | March 18, 2008 3:03 PM
Reality check time. How many of you lefties, righties, and ceters have read Barack's autobiography "Dreams From My Father" as I have or gone to a Sunday mass at Trinity United Church as I have of Christ or any Church of Christ? BLOG stands for Big Lies Only Get bigger.
Don't rely on what your relatives in Illinois told you. Stand up and move away from the computer. Read. Go out and explore the world. Read a book. This I have found is a much better source of information than the BLOGoshere.
Posted by: researching | March 18, 2008 3:04 PM
Obama for change , well then I say if your sitting in the pew every Sunday and your not agreeing with the hate speech your (pastor) spritual leader is preaching , then you get on your feet and find a new place of worship, unless you agree with what the sermon is about . If you can't stand up for change on that level how do you change a country ?
Posted by: Nick | March 18, 2008 3:04 PM
I'm at a loss as to anything in his speach that anyone could view negatively. Some people will sling mud no matter what.
Posted by: mike | March 18, 2008 3:13 PM
Reality check time. How many of you lefties, righties, and ceters have read Barack's autobiography "Dreams From My Father" as I have or gone to a Sunday mass at Trinity United Church as I have of Christ or any Church of Christ? BLOG stands for Big Lies Only Get bigger.
Don't rely on what your relatives in Illinois told you. Stand up and move away from the computer. Read. Go out and explore the world. Read a book. This I have found is a much better source of information than the BLOGoshere.
Posted by: researching | March 18, 2008 3:13 PM
In Obama's defense, I sat in a church for 17 years that held as doctrine that Women must be obedient to Men, that blacks are black because they were not as blessed, that a person's skin color determined their ability to be a priest, that equal rights was a spiritual danger. I didn't believe it, but I always qualified the doctrines as they were taught.
George Romney (Mitt's dad) was also a member of the same church and showed real courage to resist the doctrine (without repudiating it)in the face of a lot of social pressure. George was something that Mitt can never claim: a man of integrity.
Obama is also a man of integrity, not willing to throw out a flawed tool that has proved useful to attack the moral failings of society. Obama admits to being an imperfect person using imperfection to strive for perfection.
That is what I get from the speech. I think it is a masterful stroke for race and religion (all religions) in America.
Posted by: Terry Maz. | March 18, 2008 3:16 PM
"He came out and said that he does not support Rev. Wright's politics of hate, but supported his RIGHT to freedom of speech."
One can then fairly assume he supports David Duke's right to freedom of speech as well, correct?
Here is my freedom of speech, I don't want a President of the United States who would embrace such a man as his spiritual leader of guidance and moral support. Bigotry comes in all shapes, colors, and fashions and must be condemned whenever heard from the speaker. BHO did just the opposite, he embraced the speaker can considers him one of his closest allies. Well Rev. Wright might be one of his one, but he certainly isn't in tune with the majority of straight-thinking decent Americans of any color or faith. To shout him down and out of power is the American way, to let in go on for 20+ years is the terrorist and devisive way of change we see today in the Middle East.
Posted by: Packwood | March 18, 2008 3:19 PM
I read the entire speech. I agree with 99% of it. This is an individual I would be proud to say is our president. Go Obama!
Posted by: cimbalok | March 18, 2008 3:20 PM
Obama is a joke. Just another corrupt Chicago politician. Rev. wright, Rezko, this is just the beginning
Posted by: Gary | March 18, 2008 3:23 PM
Obama won't wear an American flag lapel pin. His wife has not been proud of America until a couple of months ago. His pastor is a racist and hates America. The Obama children are still attending this racist hate filled church. The Obama's have benifited from Rezko's dealings with their house... admitted poor choice, as well as reporting a Rezko donation 100k short of the true amount. Anyone of these questions Barack's heart and judgement!
Posted by: M. H. | March 18, 2008 3:25 PM
He was born into poverty to a father that ran out on him when he was a child. I would say Obama can relate very well to the plight of all Americans who are struggling to achieve their own versions of the "American Dream". Not just blacks.
Posted by: David J | March 18, 2008 12:26 PM
POVERTY?? Both of his fathers were foreign exchange students at the University of Hawaii. His mother was a student there as well. His grandparents also lived in Hawaii. He wasn't rich, but he was hardly in poverty then or now. He lives in a million dollar house and his wife makes $300K a year. Don't forget he's a POLITICIAN first. He's pandering for votes just the same as the others. Big mistake to make him your GOD.
Posted by: Matt | March 18, 2008 3:28 PM
No matter how much Obama tries to distance himself from the pastor who married him, baptized his children and who sermonized before Obama's family for 15 plus years, this is not going to play well in conservative, moderate or liberal white America.
Obama is in big trouble, and I don't see how rational Democrats who support him can expect him to hold up in a general election.
His ghosts are blowing the doors off his closet: Obama says one thing about NAFTA to the American people while his aides whisper something else to foreign governments; Obama professes limited financial exposure to Tony Rezko but this weekend he has been exposed as financially tighter than he first claimed that he was; Obama backed and voted for an energy bill that allows Big Oil to rake in billions while Americans are paying higher costs at the pump; Obama's preacher is an avowed racist but Obama giggles it off by claiming he's like an uncle who has a propensity to say embarrassing things; Obama claims he's a different kind of politician who wants to be transparent, positive and bring people together but his campaign mails our flyers that are negative and willfully attempt to mislead the public; Obama says he'll have the U.S. out of Iraq in X amount of days, but an aide tells the a member of the media off-the-record that Obama's plan is a best case scenario that will not likely happen.
If the Dems put Obama anywhere on the ticket, I'm voting McCain, and I while my country has many faults, I cannot vote for a man whose spiritual leader shouts "God Damn America!" while Obama whispers "Yes We Can.
Posted by: Ed | March 18, 2008 3:29 PM
I am so incredibly dismayed to read the comments here. Instead of taking the speech at more than face value (or not absorbing it at all), people have allowed their already prejudiced (and no, not race, moron) view twist and turn it into something it wasn't meant to be.
I'm dismayed that I have to battle this kind of animosity and hate from adults that should know better. So much for people taking a moment for self-reflection...
Posted by: Meredith | March 18, 2008 3:30 PM
Teresa:
We know more about Obama's stands on the issues than any other candidate. He wrote a best-selling book on the issues. If you need a short-hand version, here it is:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
Economy, Civil Rights, Education, Ethics, Energy & Environment, Fiscal, Foreign Policy
People who say they don't know where a candidate stands on the issues, usually have not even tried to find out.
Posted by: J. Dubs | March 18, 2008 3:33 PM
Teresa:
We know more about Obama's stands on the issues than any other candidate. He wrote a best-selling book on the issues. If you need a short-hand version, here it is:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
Economy, Civil Rights, Education, Ethics, Energy & Environment, Fiscal, Foreign Policy
People who say they don't know where a candidate stands on the issues, usually have not even tried to find out.
Posted by: J. Dubs | March 18, 2008 3:33 PM
MLE you stated:
"we have a canidate that actually stands for something truly GREAT.."
I can't believe you are referring to obama? So you think someone who gets married by a pastor who hates america and then he sits in the pews listening to that is great???
MLE- you're a joke!
With 82% of the country being white, obama has lost the general election already!!! All you obama lovers I hope can deal with his impending loss!!! Nice try guys!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 3:38 PM
This is for researching- We don't need to read any books.
Rev Wright and obama's hate speech is right on the tv in your face!!! We do not need to see anything else!!!
Turn on a tv researching! ha!
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 3:41 PM
Having watched Senator Obama's speech, I was struck with the perception that it was much more of a speech directed toward the future, rather than the narrow confines of this year's presidential contest.
Senator Obama seemed to be in a more wistful and reconciled mood than I have ever seen him before. I thought that his remarks about how how struck he has been by how much the young people of America have moved past racial divisions, was actually an acceptance that so many others have not, that he perceives that he will not get enough support to be elected President, but that those who are not capable of every voting for someone of his race will soon fade from the scene
It struck me as a speech that was looking toward the future of America, and not what can be achieved now, not very dissimilar from Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech, except Senator Obama has witnessed that young people are ready now, but the majority of the older voters are still stuck in the past, and are unlikely to change.
Posted by: Liam | March 18, 2008 3:41 PM
Don't forget, this 'great' speach was 'inspired' by the fact his spiritual leader is now in the news, and spewing a much different message.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 18, 2008 3:42 PM
Nice guy. Way to throw your grandma under the bus. So the black pastor is effectively justified in his anger, hatred and racist comments, but his gandmother is a bigot? What a peach.
Posted by: Joe | March 18, 2008 3:42 PM
"So like JFK" Yeah both were preppy's. Obama went to Punahou PRIVATE school in Hawaii from 5th grade until graduation. Current tuition is $16675 per year. Doesn't sound like "poverty" to me.
Posted by: Matt | March 18, 2008 3:43 PM
Senator Obama's speech was excellent. I hope the next President will create another cabinet post for civil rights, allowing Senator Obama to work towards the completion of the intent of equality in our constitution. We all can agree he has the desire and ability.
Posted by: Nancy | March 18, 2008 3:48 PM
Generations of Americans will rise up and say: “This speech was the most profound and honest and courageous message an American politician has ever delivered”. America is undoubtedly a country of smart people, but it is also a country whose citizens tend to hand over their important decision-makings to the media. An American academic told me that most Americans change their minds as often as they turn on their TV sets, especially during elections. If a foreigner reads some of these comments, so full of distrust and hate, s/he will wonder how this country managed to become the most powerful country in the world when many of her citizens are so political naïve and with obsolete ideas of the human spirit. How does the blistering comments of Obama’s pastor have to do with Obama's person and character, working for the poor and bringing different ethnic groups together? Americans need to work together to heal their racial souls – it has a deep soul crisis. African-Americans have greatly suffered in their native country for two centuries, and the problems have not been actually handled at the core. The time has come for such healing. That is Obama’s message.
There is absolutely no justification for Rev. Wright's disturbing outburst on a pulpit that is a symbol of Jesus of Nazareth – the prince of peace. However, White Americans must not forget that not long ago White Christian ministers in the Bible Belt misused the Word of God to justify racism on pulpits. They must overlook how these supposedly ministers of Christ exploited the myths of Noah's children to justify the inferiority of African-Americans and their sub-human treatment in their own native country, thereby blaspheming the biblical doctrine of “imago dei” -- namely all human beings are created in the image of God. Billy Graham, the High Priest of American presidents and American evangelism, never once condemned such abuses of God's Word. Yet he travel around the world preaching repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Saviour. Was it not Billy Graham who gave the finally blessing to Bush to wage the Iraq war? The world is watching America. The race problem is at the depth of America’s soul. Obama is now saying enough is enough, let us come together and solve it. Is that a message thinking people should reject and mock?
Posted by: Dr. Jesse Kally-Williams | March 18, 2008 3:48 PM
The only thing this did was, Obama is not just a man thats black running for President, he has distinguished himself as a black man running for President. We are now in a black vs white Presidential race. His excuses for Rev. Wright took me back to the 50's and 60's , a place I would rather not gone back too. All white American are not responsible for the ills of black Americans.
Posted by: jp,michigan | March 18, 2008 3:53 PM
for the first time, Obama admitted what he previously had denied: that he was present when Wright had made some of his outrageous comments.
“Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church?” Obama said. “Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely — just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed.”
how many lies did we hear from him over the last days (rezko, iraq, nafta), has anybody counted???
Posted by: rene schulz | March 18, 2008 3:57 PM
I think what's happening in politics today is exciting! I am 55 years old and have not seen the country engaged in the political process so thoroughly and passionately since the 60s. It is an amazing time to be alive & to be living the the United States. I have lived long enough to see a man of color on the verge of becoming the president of the only global superpower. And even if that doesn't happen, I rejoice in the fact that I have lived long enough to see these issues raised on a national and global level -- to hear people being brave enough to speak forthrightly about race makes me sit in awe of the times in which we live.
Posted by: Susan | March 18, 2008 3:57 PM
So close to JFK ? Are you for real ? JFK was a white Catholic raised by parents that didn't believe in divorce or send their children to camp Jihad in another country. JFK didn't have a racist clown preacher for a 20 year advisor also. Those two aspects alone set them worlds apart.
Posted by: Bonnie | March 18, 2008 4:02 PM
Remember this was not a Martin Luther King speech on race relations - this was a POLITICAL speech he had to give in the next primary state. It was given for political reasons, not from feelings of the heart.
Posted by: Poppy | March 18, 2008 4:08 PM
The commenters on this page have once again shown their lack of understanding, willingness to regurgitate misinformation built upon misinformation, illogical diatribes, and their incapacity to use any form of meaningful debate.
I am free in this country to dislike it from time to time, thus forcing me to get involved and make meaningful, positive progress within our society so that my children can indeed live in a country that is living up to it's greatest potential. I do not need to blindly follow others and profess my 'love' for my country even though my country is headed down a spiraling free fall.
Those of you who cannot open your eyes and visualize the historic time before us are destined to drag us all back down to the level of comfortable stagnation that we have been living in for a very long time.
Posted by: lookyhere | March 18, 2008 4:09 PM
I think this is the end of the Obama phenomenon. Like Icarus, he flew too close to the sun and now has crashed. Latest Rasmussen poll has his unfavorable numbers at 50%, equal to Hillary. So, at least the Obama campaign cannot claim he has better negative ratings than Hillary. Either way, the Knight is "off the horse". Now, its slogging away like any other campaign.
He should have disowned Wright.
Posted by: Reality Check | March 18, 2008 4:09 PM
Come on. The man is a shaman....a cultured, privileged, running-for-president shaman....but a shaman none-the-less....!
Posted by: omniscient in oak park | March 18, 2008 4:10 PM
Its sad that Obama's attempt to discuss serious tensions in our society is so unmatched by many of the comments here.
Whether you are for Obama or not he is right that we need to address many of the issues that continue to poison our national discourse.
Step up! Think past simple minded arguments. Stop sounding like radio hosts who only have conflict and fear as their goals.
The greatest country ever needs a people who are up to the challenge.
Posted by: Barr | March 18, 2008 4:15 PM
This was a speech for the history books. I feel honored to have been witness to it.
Posted by: mg | March 18, 2008 4:15 PM
I wonder does he still want the job?
Posted by: lkayedraper | March 18, 2008 4:19 PM
I am a and always will be a Bush supporter.But I will give all you guys the facts any man who would bring his wife and kids to a church for 20 twenty years that has the adimited view of this pastor and his congrgation is a RACIST and so is anyone who whould support him after finding out HIS CHURCHES VIEWS.You would have to be a fool to see it any other way.
Posted by: Keith Schlief | March 18, 2008 4:20 PM
30 years of sermons condensed into two 30 second sound bites (repeated over and over) and that makes Trinity an anti-white church? Are the entire sermons that those clips came from available? How many of you would like to see them? For Obama to remain at Trinity and befriend Rev. Wright, there have to be some redeeming values or points of view that are not represented in those video clips. I like to think I'm intelligent enough to make up my mind based on all the facts; not by the spin that has been culled, clipped and regurgitated by political operatives, whose main function is to feed us contorted perceptions in order to manipulate our emotions and thought processes. I'm going to try to find those complete sermons. If anyone finds some before me, please post the link.
Posted by: freethinker | March 18, 2008 4:27 PM
I wonder who wrote this speech for him...
Posted by: Rob | March 18, 2008 10:25 AM
I just read his speech online. Are we to believe he wrote this entire speech over the weekend? Let's be real here.
Posted by: brian | March 18, 2008 11:14 AM
Both Rob and Brain, Lets review some facts…. A Harvard graduate, An University Professor, An Attorney, An award winner of two books. Why would it be so difficult for him to have written the speech delivered today? Please focus on more meaningful issues.
Posted by: Vic D | March 18, 2008 4:41 PM
Selling whites down the tube to validate the hate that lives within blacks is not going to get my vote. Schools in Chicago were turned around, Jews marched for MLK, Blacks at Evanston HS got into the UofI while Whites with better grades, who were considered state scholars, couldn't get in, companies like IBM had a freeze on hiring that limited anyone but blacks. My son got through college and entered the work force with that around his neck.
While in college he accumulated massive loans, which are now paid off. Although he ran the computer store at UIC and a few others, when ready to work IBM had to turn him down, he was the wrong race. I was fired and immediately replaced by a lesser qualified younger person...less education, spoke with a gang accent, dressed improperly but was hired by a friend's mother.
They both come to work together and go to the same Evanston Church. We are nearing equality and I should vote for Obama? Not after that speech and not after once believing in MLK. Not after Farakhan and Sharpton and Jackson, the elder. It has been too long since I marched with them.
Posted by: merle lynn | March 18, 2008 4:45 PM
Posted by: Steve Hussein S
Come on people...quit grasping at straws... you're making the anti-Obama crowd look weak.
Face it conservatives, you are already weak. You actually think you can scandalize Obama enough so that McCain has any real shot at the White House? Bush has destroyed your party and McCain won't be able to save it.
Posted by: Jeremy | March 18, 2008 4:46 PM
Many of you out there criticizing the speech need to do some reflection on your own hatred. You certainly still harbor some vicious racist tendencies. Take it from an old white man who supports Obama.
Posted by: JW | March 18, 2008 4:56 PM
As someone who has been squarely in the middle of the racial divide in my family, work, and community, I found Obama's speech to be enormously unifying, the kind of speech that will stimulate people to think. I believe thinking is a good thing and allows people to see their commonalities.
Posted by: Paul | March 18, 2008 4:58 PM
I thought it was a good speech - I even teared up because I thought it was sad. I think deep down that alot of people in this country know that alot of these hateful words are said behind closed doors. And that is just sad. Like Obama said - in the barber shops, around the kitchen table, etc. But, the leaders of my church have NEVER said anything even close to being construed as racially divisive. Not in my presence anyway. So if Obama thinks the kind of angry, hateful words that come out of the mouths of people he chooses to associate with is the status quo, then he is mistaken. I could never respect Obama now, because I am fearful of the kinds of people he would choose to surround himself in his administration. Would they be similar to Rev. Wright - or be those that are hateful behind closed doors? Does Obama have hidden anger that comes out in barber shops and around his kitchen table?
Posted by: ronda | March 18, 2008 5:01 PM
Instead of preaching civil responsibility in his community, the problems of drugs being sold on every street corner, personal responsibiilty in the home, the problems of children having children, men walking out on their wives or girlfriends with the kids, the importance of staying in school, we have Reverend Wright telling the congregate the real problem is the United States government and rich white people keeping the Black man down. After all of this, BHO still won't leave this church and still blames White people for having a deep-seeded bias against Black America, talk about stereo-typing. Yet the Black community still wants White America to pay for sins and crimes that a majority of us don't commit today. REVEREND WRIGHT IS A RACISTS PASTOR and BHO still won't seperate himself from him. BHO went way back in history to justify Blacks hatred of White America today, and is telling us that WE need to change. I suggest for BHO to take a good long hard look in the mirror first before preaching to me what is right and wrong and the consequences for your own personal choices in life. Sorry, but I refuse to carry any "white guilt" and I am deeply offended by this type of "modern thinking" and stereo-typing of race relations today.
How BHO can continue to justify and maintain his relationship with the bigot racist Rev. Wright is beyond my comprehension and cannot be someone I can seriously consider as the Commander in Chief and Leader of the Free World.
Posted by: Packwood | March 18, 2008 5:27 PM
"I'm going to try to find those complete sermons. If anyone finds some before me, please post the link."
Hey freethinker, they are available on DVD and can be purchased from the Holy Trinity Church. All of it is available in great detail and none of this has been taken out of context.
Posted by: Packwood | March 18, 2008 5:38 PM
"Many of you out there criticizing the speech need to do some reflection on your own hatred. You certainly still harbor some vicious racist tendencies. Take it from an old white man who supports Obama."
This is easily in the top 10 of all time dumbest posts I have ever read in my life about race relations and politics. Thanks for your stereo-typing small-minded thoughts on this topic JW.
Posted by: Packwood | March 18, 2008 6:04 PM
What percent black do you need to be to call yourself black? It reminds me of Halle Berry accepting the Oscar for black women as her white mother sat in the audience and her dad....I guess he was busy that night. Barrack, your minister is a bigot, you married a bigot, but you do a great speech
Posted by: Ken Dunbar | March 18, 2008 11:06 PM
It confuses me on why it matters if he is black or not. Let him be green for all it makes a difference, his words are the most important. He is the face of change that America needs because though maybe other candidates have more epxeriance, Obama is the only one who can persuade the American power to action. I think this is why above someone compared him to JFK, he is man of the people and plays the roll the president should play. He incites desire for the public to get something done in the world, not wait while their brainless president makes war. The only way we can move forward is to push as a nation, he getting us ready for the kinds of challenges that will occur
Posted by: Chris Mutze | March 19, 2008 10:53 PM