The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

Americans can no longer trust the agenda driven media (especially those who are so far to the left such as Keith Olbermann of MSNBC) to present the truth. Voters must begin to ask many questions of Barack Obama who is attempting to win the White House in 2009. We MUST begin to ask "who is Barack Obama?"

The following excerpt is from Obama's book titled Dreams from My Father; "I chose my friends carefully. The more politically active black students. The foreign students. The Chicanos. The Marxist professors and structural feminists and punk rock performance poets."

Obviously, aside from Obama's current esoteric position about transcending race- the important question is "why surround your self with Marxist professors? Simply put- Marxism is the system of socialism of which the dominant feature is public ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. How does this relate to America, which is based upon Capitalism through individual freedom.

Therefore, who would Obama as President surround himself with for advisors? Would it be the Marxist Socialists from the Left? Or worse?

Obama just didn't join any church- he intentionally joined a "militant black nationalist one." Rev. Wright preaches a "black" gospel or "Black Liberation Theology" in the black community. It is the same Marxist/Communist, revolutionary, humanistic philosophy found in South American Liberation Theology and has no more claim for a scriptural basis than it did in South America.

Therefore, it should be no surprise why Obama chose the Rev. Jeremiah Wright to join his campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination for President. It should be no surprise why Barack and Michelle Obama chose Rev. Jeremiah Wright's Trinity United Church of Christ 20-years ago. When Rev. Jeremiah Wright speaks he reflects the mind-set of his congregation, which includes Michelle and Barack Obama. People attend houses of worship, which make them feel comfortable.

It is no secret Rev. Jeremiah Wright courts utterly immoral people (i.e., Farrakhan and Momar Kadafi) who hold anti-Semitic, anti-white prejudges and Marxist/Communist beliefs which are un-American and ungodly. The question is not should Obama be judged by his pastor's comments for the past 20 years- but, are Barack Obama and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright inseparable in belief, theology and philosophy?

How could Obama and his wife sit in a church pew for 20 years and listen to ANTI-AMERICAN "sermons" from a Marxist/Communist sympathizer and not want to hear these ungodly words? This is not just an issue of racist remarks. It is an issue of Obama posing as the successor to JFK and MLK, but in reality he (Obama) being the Pied Piper singing his sweet eloquent sounding words as he leads this great country to disaster.

The Democratic Party leadership along with the American voters need to think about the consequences before continuing down this road of supporting Barack Obama.

JN in NY

"I have a Dream! I Dream of Barack and Wright along with all the other people of African backgrounds who hate this Country,
TO GO BACK TO AFRICA!"

That way, we can replace them, with all the Africans who would Kill for a chance to come here! ;~)

Obama is a master... at smoke and mirrors.

You know what? If he can deliver a speech motivated by saving his political hide and have people walk away thinking he's such a great leader, then maybe he will do just fine is Washington.

Amazing to me how people can be fooled over and over again by pretty words, even when the actions don't match.

marklash: " Senator Obama needs to go way beyond simply denouncing his pastor's words and actions. He needs to explain how he could continue to be associated all these years with a person whose views are so divergent from those he espouses in his campaign and which are the basis for his candidacy. He also needs to explain what kind of judgment went into that kind of decision making, as he is also claiming to have the judgment to lead."
_____________________________________

And how many times and how many ways will he have to explain it to you. At some point you have need to take the responsibility and comprehend it or at least, find someone to help you comprehend it. The man has explained it over and over again. There comes a time when one have to admit their lacking rather than blame someone else. At this point, the numbers of are in and yes, we get it, even if you don't. I am just getting weary with those that want to continue to bring down to that he did not answer based on their own lack of comprehension and understanding. Enough already. I sense that there is an unwillingness that exist that is the culprit here.

Sen. Obama's speech demonstrates not only a passion, high level of intellect, but a willingness to tackle a very difficult situation with words. He listens, and can bring a new level of respect to America that has been missing for a very long time. He will make a great president.

To me the speech was and is not the issue. What is, concerns the reasoning Obama used in not responding when these racial and imflammantory statements were declared. Had this been Clinton or McCain, they would have been roasted and burnt at the stake for waiting this long before attempting an answer. Obama's speech is just a little late and designed to spin out of a mess that should have been publicly handled when it happened.

Obama indicates he wasn't in church at any time such statements were given and although there are still some questions not fully answered on that count, I would think given Obama's declared closeness to the church, he would most certainly would have heard from someone about the ministers retoric and would have had the political and personal courage to publicly condemn such statements.

I don't think him entirely truthful and his silent acceptance until forced to spin the situation through a speech makes me want to question his crediability and racial intergety. We have lived through eight years of a bad president that plays to just those people that fit his conservative philosophy. Are we looking at another of the same or one that would have the same concern for all the people? Given the minister/Obama situation and how he handled it, this is a fair question to ask and one everyone should consider.

Racism is taught to us by our parents, teachers, churches and our associates.

A fresh mind knows racism.. knows nothing about the past. They learn from others..or read about it.

In the case of Obama.. he is supposedly a leader of his community.

His goal is to be the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and to unify all Americans.
This is a lofty goal... but he has no concrete policy/plan to do so.

He readily admits that Pastor Wright is his
mentor/family member. He admits attending Trinty Church for 20 years. He is a beacon/leader in that church. He finally admits that he has heard sermons that he does NOT AGREE WITH. Yet he continue to attend church and expose his wife and children to racist/anti-American sentiments.

Thus he has passed on this racism and anti-American sentiments to the next generation of Black Americans. Note that his children go to PRIVATE SCHOOLS as do many of the wealthy. His wife clearly indicates that she is FINALLY proud to be American this is after attending some of the finest universities in America.

He knew a year ago that Pastor WRight could be a liability... Yet neither he, the DNC or mainstream media mentioned Wright. He continued to listen to his sermons, made him a member of his Campaign Board and lied about his relationship with Wright.

Wright was his mentor and moved him into community activities. (Primarily helping Black Americans in Chicago.) Gave him an idea for his book.

WE have had seven years of a PRESIDENT that promises one thing and then lies and deceives the public. I would hate to have another lair.. and smoke and mirrors politican in DC. Especially one that exposes his family to racist and anti-American sentiments by attending services at a radical christian church.

"the test of leadership is to turn adversity into opportunity and on Tuesday Obama took it. Now he must await the judgment of the voters."

Small quibbles on a sound article that ends with an apt "test of leadership":

1) Obama was not FORCED into delivering this address. He could have hunkered down and hoped this too would pass, pass with minimal damage to his campaign as other issues predictably arose. Instead he stepped forward and met this issue head on.

2) He must indeed await the judgment of the voters. However, in the meantime how publics react will depend heavily upon opinion leaders and their media bases. Will opinionators settle for horserace reflexions? Or will you and other news intermediaries analyze such themes as Obama's approach to reconciliation...while developing your own welcome theme of what constitutes effective leadership, and how candidates measure up.

I was interested in seeing how the MSM reporters would spin one of the best speeches ever given by a political candidate. Some could not get past the Rev Wright clips and associating Obama with them and were obviously not suppportive of Obama. They were willing to give a pass to the association of McCain with vitriol spewers like Hagee and a pass to Hillary being associated will the lieing, cheating, philander Bill. Some posters on this site definitely showed their true racist, prejudiced colors. Obama showed class, intelligence, articulation, and sound judgement, and the ability to rise above the dirty politics being displayed in recent weeks. These characteristics are what we need in our president. We do not need more of the same politics and policies we would get with McCain or Ms. Clinton.

GetOvertheHillalready- she's an empty pantsuit

GetOvertheHillalready- she's an empty pantsuit

GetOvertheHillalready- she's an empty pantsuit

I have believed in Obamas message of hope and change. Not the words of inspiration because I am too old to be swayed by the words of any politican. Beneath the words, he seemed to have integrity and ego without arrogance. The extraordinary thing about this speech was that he made it. He could given a further disavowel of Rev. Wright together with his standard message.

But he chose to take the issue of race head-on. He not only showed understanding and compassion, but unbelievable courage for a politician in the midst of a close race for President. Integrity, understanding of others, and courage are what is needed by a President.

Haven't we had enough misrepresentations and outright lies for sixteen years. I am a white, southern male Republican. I would vote for a woman for President in a heartbeat if one runs with Obamas character. There is not one this year.

You had the chance to vote for Al Gore! You got George W. Bush.You have now the chance to vote for Obama. If not, you get Hillary Clinton or John McCain. Your choice.

http://tpzoo.wordpress.com/2008/03/19/europe-on-a-more-perfect-union/

Oh mighty Clinton, dost thou lie so low?

Bitter?

Hillary supporters wallowing in the mud even more, it seems moreso the further along the race gets without catching up...

Oh mighty Clinton, dost though lie so low?

"2. His wife says that Barack's election was the "first time she's been proud of America." She's been ashamed up until then?"
posted by SLB2008
--------
I didn't see/hear this quote, and I'm sure there was some sort of context around it. But to be honest, while I've been proud of many of my fellow Americans, there's certainly been precious little to be proud of in the way our government has performed in the last 7 years.... And, you can hate what the country's leadership is doing without hating the country. Besides, who didn't know someone in the SDS or such in the 60's - I even new klansmen -- who were just as bad. That doesn't mean I agreed with them.

One final comment. If you are only going to vote for someone who holds all the exact same views you do, then you've really limited the kind of leadership you will get. Surprisingly, someone may have a broader experience or insight than the individual voter - in fact, that's the basis of a representative democracy.

When America finds out that Chicago Obama got to where he is by forcing everyone else off the ballot and by supressing votes, the last bit of his teflon will be gone.

Remember the guy who charmed all the kids on star trek, but turned out to be a monster?

Barry Obama's like him in real life.

The Real Barry Obama is really bad news.

He's not just not good, he's actively bad.

The real Barry Obama is the guy who let people freeze to death, not the guy who gives pretty speeches.

He's a Black version of Bush, but worse, because he's a lot more intelligent.

You're not going to like him very much.

That's guaranteed.

Surely all of us have had friends with beliefs that make us cringe. I know that some of my best friends have views of race that I don't agree with, including my closest friend at work and someone who's been a close friend ever since we roomed together in college.

But I also see value in the other pieces of who they are and what they believe, and I'm willing to accept them as imperfect, just like every other human being on this planet. It doesn't mean I agree with them, and it doesn't mean that I don't object to some of the things that they believe. It just means I'm an ordinary human being.

Does anyone else feel the same way? Or, does anyone *not* have any friends who you think are a little off the deep end at times?

Someone may be fooled by a talker like Hitler, Lenin...

Obama, your america-hater mentor, crook-friend, and not-proud-america wife tell us more.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

It was a good speech. Not unique -- Bill Clinton gave a very similar speech in 1995 during the Million Man March.

But I don't think it put this issue to bed. Let's look at the number of issues this guy has to face/answer to:

1. His pastor makes these remarks, emphasizing his hate for America.
2. His wife says that Barack's election was the "first time she's been proud of America." She's been ashamed up until then?
3. Barack was friends or acquaintances or colleagues with the Weather Underground terrorists who bombed several U.S. buildings in the 1960s. Both 60s now, they are unrepentant about the bombings, saying they should have done more.

The company you keep indicates the attitudes you support. And there are at least 3 folks on his list who have indicated disdain or outright hate for America.

Fine speech or not, this man has to answer for more. I think he needs to own up to his own disdain or hate -- or anger -- at the U.S.

can you imagine - this man - speaking and representing our country on a trip abroad

the knowledge that the American people elected this man -following our current President - would immediately restore some of our luster in the world

would that be beautiful

That was the best speech I've heard from ANY politician in 40 years (or more). It was the most intellectually satisfying, but also the most socially aware and sensitive. After more than 7 years of a leader who can't even pronounce "nuclear," I feel like I've been living in a desert and finally came upon a lush oasis. This man is human, and not perfect, but he's the best presidential candidate I've seen in my lifetime. Regardless of what someone he knows has said, I'm certainly willing to give this man a chance.

I am fascinated at the ideas presented in the comments. While I agree with some and find others scary, it is an education to read them. I am particularly interested in the "actions, not words" group. As we elect leaders,we have traditionally ignored actions (Clinton's sexual escapades, GWB and company's avoidance of Viet Nam, Reagan's avoidance of WWII) and actually believed words (Swift Boat "witnesses", WMDs, compassionate conservatism). I think we should really look and see how the candidates have lived their lives and compare it to their rhetoric. Mr. Obama and his wife have given up considerable wealth to work in their communities to help people who are not part of the empowered majority of this country. I believe that the Clintons have also acted on their convictions and beliefs, and there is no doubt that John McCain suffered for his country and has served in public long and well. While I abhor the language from the pulpit of Pastor Wright, I have heard similar language from "white" pulpits (having grown up in Alabama in the 50's). I don't condone any of that language. However, I worry much less about relationships within a particular community than I do relationships across communities, and I believe, given a fair hearing, Mr.Obama can be a bridge and touch that which is best and most American in us all. I have seen the Clintons in action for 8+ years, and after the first 6 months, I don't recall them "inspiring" much of anything. I have been disappointed in Mr. McCain's change in position and convictions to become insider rather than renegade, and I disagree with nearly everything he wants to do. Mr. Obama is the perfect candidate to fill the role of healer - to the nation and to the world. Much of that healing will be accomplished with words followed by reasoned actions that are aligned with America deepest goodness - not by insults, promoting fear, and the misuse of force of arms.
I would hope that those who have seemed most angry would think back to where our country is right now and focus that anger on the actions of the current administration rather than on any of the candidates who, for reasons beyond my ken, want to try to clean up the mess they have left us.

This was yet another great speech by Sen. Obama. He demonstrated that while he values the religious teachings given to him by Rev. Wright, he disagrees strongly with his controversial and basically offensive views on other subjects. I don't think any of us should be judged based on the worst things ever said by our friends. Both McCain and Clinton have friends who have said things just as bad.

Instead, let's look at what Obama says and what he believes in. He is an incredibly smart and compassionate person, just the right candidate we need to move us past these horrible Bush years.

Obama said it as it is. Tough lucky for those who were not moved by the content of the speech. It is probably that it touched on your comfort zones. As others have said before, for those who didnt see anything positive in the speech, it is likely that you will never accept anything he says.

For me really, he does not owe anyone an apology. No one can take him into a court of law, get him charged of being "guilt by association", and expect to win. He is simply not "guilt" because of what his pastor said. Case closed!

Those talking about him letting his children hear his pastor? As though you really care!

This was yet another great speech by Sen. Obama. He demonstrated that while he values the religious teachings given to him by Rev. Wright, he disagrees strongly with his controversial and basically offensive views on other subjects. I don't think any of us should be judged based on the worst things ever said by our friends. Both McCain and Clinton have friends who have said things just as bad.

Instead, let's look at what Obama says and what he believes in. He is an incredibly smart and compassionate person, just the right candidate we need to move us past these horrible Bush years.

my dad was a "jack ass" too, But he's my dad, I love him anyway.

This was a great speech, a very clear, human and on-point description of the bases for race relations in this country today. It was courageous of the man to point out the deficiencies on both white and black sides, and maybe even more so to not abandon, on a personal level, someone who has been--on a personal level--so important to him. It's heartening to see how many others here agree with this assessment, although both the Post and the NYTimes are still quoting the simplistic jeremiads of the Washington flacks. Beyond the election, this speech may well be seen as the Gettysburg address of our day, and will outlive the speaker.

I want to know why John McCain gets a pass for hanging out with Jerry Fallwell the bigot who was against integration. I guess Jerry gets a pass because he is an old white guy.

Posted by: bradcpa | March 18, 2008 08:06 PM

This is a group thing. Whites are 70 percent of the voters. Blacks have to be palatable to Whites in this country to get ahead (mostly). If we were 70 Islamic we would have many different issues and Mac would not be doing to well. That is the way it is.

You cannot lead by looking backwards!

Mr. Obama says LAST WEEK - "never heard those things"

Mr. Obama says THIS WEEK - "I did hear those things"

Mr. Obama says LAST MONTH - "only $125,000 from Mr. Rezko."

Mr. Obama says LAST WEEK - "$250,000 from Mr. Rezko (that's a QUARTER MILLION)

Mr. Obama says IN OHIO - NAFTA will be changed

Mr. Obama says IN CANADA - NAFTA won't be changed

Mr. Obams says ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL - I'm wonderful, I'm on the Oversight Committee for Afghanistan

Mr. Obama admits in the debate - "I've been too busy with my campaign" TO HOLD ONE MEETING IN FOURTEEN MONTHS

Mr. Obama has a lot of problems.

Alot of dirty, dirty dishes in HIS OWN KITCHEN SINK

Mr. Obama likes to wiggle, wriggle and talk himself out of problems; he likes to blame and point, divert, diffuse and distract you from noticing his many lies

Mr. Obama never takes responsibility.

Mr. Obama refuses Press Conferences and "prefers" SERMONS and SPEECHES where he is in control of the information you receive

Mr. Obama is NOT PRESIDENTIAL

He's is though, damn sneaky.

Gee! Foir the past week Obama has been claiming he never heard a hate sermon from Wright or hateful words.

Now he admits he had. That makes him a liar!

He seems he has been doing a lot lying. How many other lies are goin to come out. I'll bet the Republicans have the facts and the ad ready to go if Obama gets the nomination.

Anyone who makes the claim that the United States has not been, and is not (at least partially) now, a racist government (in function if not always form), and that its policies have never murdered innocents, spread hate, undermined democracy or supported corruption is either woefully ignorant of history and current events, or is purposely deceiving themselves.

The Pastor's words hit a nerve. The same nerve that got us into Iraq: arrogance and a sense of American exceptionalism.

Sure we are a country of great ideals, but we don't always live up to those ideals, and without a constant critical assessment of how we're doing, we deserve to wither and die as a nation.

i can imagine hillary and slick willy sitting back the past few days patting themselves on their backs for a 'job well done' in trying to bring down obama.

but after today, i'll even bet hillary, with her little chipmunk cheeks and her smug smile, is probably looking at obama a bit differently..

hillary is probably saying, "dang... obama is good.. he is really good! hey bill? i think i'm going to vote for obama for president.. would that bother you? hey bill.. why don't you vote for him too.. he can save this country.. he'll do a heckuva lot more than we were going to do... we didn't really care about the people, we just wanted the power! LOL!"

Nice speech. Not buying it.

Earlier, Obama said he didn't know of the incendiary statements of his minister. But now that this has broken in the media, he now admits that yes, he was aware of these vulgar, ignorant, bigoted statements of this pastor, over a 20-year time span. Yet the unaswered question is WHY did he and his wife just sit there and not stand up and protest that in fact AIDS was not a man-made virus invented to kill blacks, or that we live in the "US of KKKA," etc.

A man of conscience and faith would have stood up and protested!

Obama knew the Rev. was a "problem" for him politically, and only now that this has exploded, he has come forward in contrition before the public. Well it's a convenient time to do so now that the issue has been exposed on You Tube.

I'm sorry, but Obama's wife said she had never been proud of the US in her adult life until her husband started winning primary votes, and now this ugly episode.

Obama has flawed judgment and some nasty skeletons in his family closet. This episode represents a grave failure of judgment.

Hillary Clinton will have my support.

Why am I not surprised that what was touted as an analysis of Obama's speech turned into a praise Obama article.

Why? Becuase Danny boy wrote it. As the WaPO's own ombudsperson put several weeks ago many staffers are suffering from OBamania -- under the spell of Obama's snake oil speeches. Nothing has changed for Balz. He is still intoxicated on Obama.

I wouldnt even call a religion that promotes those types of sentiments as Christian. If Jesus were alive he would be ashamed of what they preach in his name!

Perhaps if he had the same message, but different 20-year background he would have retained my vote.

What I see is a TYPICAL politician with exceptional skills. He is a typical politician as evident in the last few weeks that he will do anything including lying for political gains. He has exceptional skills particularly in his speeches (or doing the spins) that can confuse a lot of good-will people about the real issues.

I already know that he is an exceptional speaker, and I do not need another proof. I want to see his track of records and experience. Initially, I did not know much about him, and I was almost willing to give him some benefit of doubt. However, the more we know about him, the more I found it troubling.

"Two words: empty suit"..

Ebabin,

My interest is piqued....how would you describe our current "leader"?

The most amazing speech on race I have ever seen. This man deserves to lead our nation out of division. If you did not get this speech I feel sorry for your soul because you have none and the devil has your heart. I want to know why John McCain gets a pass for hanging out with Jerry Fallwell the bigot who was against integration. I guess Jerry gets a pass because he is an old white guy.

Barak Obama today earned even more respect from me. He is showing himself more and more each day, as a person who has the leadership qualities to become not only the president, but a GREAT president.

Obama's words inspire. He speaks with passion ~and~ compassion. I feel he is the uniter this country needs, after suffering the deep wounds from bad decisions and indifference from our current president, and those before him.

I would be honored to have Barak Obama as my president.

True leaders aren't made.. they are born.

"And, I am afraid, it will be a bad bet. He is too eloquent, too passionate, too truthful for the average american whose knowledge of history extends to the prior American Idol episode"

Do you remember Friday when he lied on two networks. Anyway he is trying to scuttle Michigan but it won't work.

He gave a speech any 2nd year at the U of Chicago in the sociology department could have (just sounded cooler). Bill gave it several times in 92 (I remember).

Several Reporters had O on camera a bit like the Romney speech.

Problem is he did not say what was black anger and what was Wright's Hate speech on 9/11. Made his Grandmother and Gerry all the same.

The Supers are going to try and get rid of him as fast as they can.

The Lib media has not severed Obama or democracy well in 2008. They tried to help like after 9/11 and ended up with Iraq. We end up with a big joke at the end which even as a HRC supporter I find sad.

Most bloggers who state that Barack's speech moved them or quelled their doubts on how he handled the issue have one big problem. What exactly about the speech changed your mind? Please be more specific, as in what were your doubts in the first place, and exactly what line made you change your mind? It's just obvious in posts when someone opens up with "I'm a conservative who is now an Obama supporter," that you were an Obama supporter to begin with. He still didn't answer the major issues that trouble voters. He admitted(after earlier denying) that he was present during "controversial" sermons(who knows how many) and more importantly why he supported this man for so long knowing what his sermons were like. The issue wasn't about race it was about judgment. How is this different from any of the speeches he has given before? It was a brilliant speech, but I wouldn't expect less from a great orator that is Barack Obama. Thus I expected so much more and this has done nothing to quell the fears of swing voters and the controversy. Think about it everytime this speech is mentioned so will the scandal in the first place. Also Barack Obama had a golden opportunity here. He could of given this speech at the Trinity Church in Chicago, not only to show he supports his church but why, and he could of stated that speeches of unity not division were the reason he attended the church in the first place. Instead he does it from PA, and this golden opportunity becomes just another great speech, at a moment when people will look back and say this is where Obama lost the presidency. Basically the speech didn't change anyones mind, Obama with the hits from Hillary(self-destruct candidate) and his negative responses, is no longer the candidate of hope,change, and unity but now a controversial first term senator running for president and nothing more.

I'm a 28 year old African-American woman. I read the entirety of the address and felt very moved by what I believed to be a thoughtful and genuine account of Senator Obama's nuanced experienced with race. I'm grateful for Obama's speach: for the opportunity it gives open-minded, thinking people to discuss issues that have historically divided our country and led to the oppression of many. Let's rise above the politics of race and discuss renconciliation and healing. At our core, this is what we all want.

I'm a 28 year old African-American woman. I read the entirety of the address and felt very moved by what I believed to a thoughtful and genuine account of Senator Obama's nuanced experienced with race. I'm grateful for Obama's speach: for the opportunity it gives open-minded, thinking people to discuss issues that have historically divided our country and led to the oppression of many. Let's rise above the politics of race and discuss renconciliation and healing. At our core, this is what we all want.

Homerun.

Regardless of whether or not one supports Obama.

The historical parallels are hard to ignore:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16920600

Where others run and hide, where others seek to "change the message", where others wait for the news cycle to end, Barack Obama confronts the issue and, as Balz writes, paints the controversy in its broader context.

The man is a true leader.

Two words: empty suit

svreader, still on the Clinton payroll. You can look forward to seeing a lot more of Obama for the next 8 years. I know I do.

Obama was very effective at digging deep into the issues of racism and discrimination, historical and present, where his pastors statements were rooted, and challenging the country to confront them. He was very genuine about his relationship with his pastor. You don't have to be black, nor a member of any congregation, nor religious, to understand and identify with what he had to say.

Actually, as a member of church with a congregation that is mixed race, gender, nationality, and sexual orientation, I can say with complete honesty that there are times when I disagree with my pastor. That is our right as members of a congregation that comes together to worship freely.>>

I disagree with mine occasionally but if she regularly made the kind of hateful diatribes that Wright did, I'd be out of there very quickly. By the way, there was nothing to prevent Obama from attending another area church with a mostly black congregation. He wasn't forced to stay with Wright - he chose to do so and, in fact, he was happy to do so. That shows, at least, an appalling lack of judgment. One which he, thus far, has refused to address. What I'd like to hear from Obama, just once, is "I made a mistake - I'm sorry." What are the chances of that happening?

I'm glad Dan framed this speech as one of leadership, because that is what Obama did today. I think it was a historic speech and I think it elevated the entire campaign. It proves that Obama has the strength to lead and that leadship involves more than "fighting" or answering a telephone call at 3:00 in the morning.

"Essentially, he is betting his entire candidacy on whether or not the collective I.Q. of the American electorate is over 95."

And, I am afraid, it will be a bad bet. He is too eloquent, too passionate, too truthful for the average american whose knowledge of history extends to the prior American Idol episode.

I mean, look at our current "leader". Can't form a cohesive sentence, needs phonetically written names in speeches (which he STILL manages to mangle)....

Nah, american is better suited for McTorture who proclaims his ignorance of economics and spent the better part of today linking Al qaeda and Iran, apparently oblivious to the whole Sunni/Shiite thing.

That man is more america's speed.

new tune to be posted shortly
"OUT OF MANY WE ARE ONE" to accompany "YES WE CAN" at www.myspace.com/wenmew1
www.myspace.com/wenmewsaxophonistflutist
www.jamwave.com/wenmew7

wenmew@verizon.net

wen in santa monica, ca

new tune to be posted shortly
"OUT OF MANY WE ARE ONE" to accompany "YES WE CAN" at www.myspace.com/wenmew1
www.myspace.com/wenmewsaxophonistflutist
www.jamwave.com/wenmew7

wenmew@verizon.net

wen in santa monica, ca

new tune to be posted shortly
"OUT OF MANY WE ARE ONE" to accompany "YES WE CAN" at www.myspace.com/wenmew1
www.myspace.com/wenmewsaxophonistflutist
www.jamwave.com/wenmew7

wenmew@verizon.net

wen in santa monica, ca

It was indeed an outstanding speech; long on style and delivery but short on substance. Obama identified a laundry list of problems, but he offered no solutions. He made remarks about how unfair affirmative action is to whites, but he offered no solution. He said he understood the frustration of parents having their children bussed across town to a school; but he offered no solutions. The list goes on.....

We don't need someone to delineate the problems. We know what they are. We need someone to come forward with a vision to solve the problems.

talves...you clearly have an agenda...why don't you just let us adults discuss the speech here. I'm sure you must have a book-burning rally to get beer-ed up for.

No one can say this guy does'nt have balls.
Essentially, he is betting his entire candidacy on whether or not the collective I.Q. of the American electorate is over 95.

Speech of the ages? You've got to be kidding. The man is not a leader he's a liar and a hypocrit.

AndyfromVA said: "I know what Obama's explanation is, but it's obvious to any of us who are members of a religious organization that you do not become a longtime committed member unless you believe strongly in the message of the pastor/leader."

Actually, as a member of church with a congregation that is mixed race, gender, nationality, and sexual orientation, I can say with complete honesty that there are times when I disagree with my pastor. That is our right as members of a congregation that comes together to worship freely.

That does not excuse, for a second, Rev. Wright's inflammatory commentary. But it was NOT Senator Obama that said these things. I am saddened, though not shocked, that people are acting as if he did.

If everyone always decided not to associate with people who said things they disagree with, the world would be a very lonely place.

This was a heart-stopping speech. That's all I can think to say. Sheer brilliance.

And Wright's comments were no worse than Jerry Falwell saying 9/11 was God's punishment for allowing homosexuals in the United States, nor was it worse than many things I've heard Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich or Michelle Malkin say. Yet the media gives these lunatics, as well as the politicians that support them, a free pass. They let it slide - because they know these people are lunatics.

And when an inner-city pastor in Chicago says something equally insane, people flip out like the world is turning upside down. Forget the hideous things that are said by GOP pundits every day on CNN and Fox News - a black guy in Chicago said something offensive! Everyone run for cover!

Obama saw Wright like a father-figure, and yet he's still able to clearly differentiate between the right and wrong things that Wright says.

I care more about how Obama reacts to Wright's comments than I do about the comments themselves. Clearly Obama has not taken Wright's radical statements to heart or he wouldn't even be interested in running for President because he'd think it was corrupt by racist white men or something. But Obama is using Wright and the rest of racial America as a launching pad to move to a higher level of discourse. And I support that.

Whatever your opinion of Senator Obama, this was a speech for the ages...the kind of speech our grandchildren will learn about in History classes...a speech that forced America to really look into the mirror and see America as it truly is...that can only lead to a better America...whether Senator Obama leads us there or someone else...whether we do it today or 15 years hence.

One thing that is clear though...the man is a leader and both Senators McCain and Clinton look small in his shadow.

Words matter. Deeds matter even more.

Posted by: svreader | March 18, 2008 06:34 PM
____________________________________________

Is lying not a deed? Name the author of the book you claimed attacked Obama! Name the publisher! Stop lying!

Words, just words of a Harvard trained lawyer. What Obama has not explained is how he sat in a pew and listened to this man spew venom for 20 years. In fact, it was an admission of a lie he told when he originally said he heard nothing like the venom reported - so, which Obama to believe; the lawyer or lier? There is a clue in the statement of Michelle Obama, "..this is the first time I have been proud of America." Thank you very much ... every American has grievances with society or the political process, but very few would stand by and not defend this country. That is in the final analysis the primary role of the commander-in-chief and Obama is only now having an epiphany.

One of the most revealing things of Obama's speech was that Rev. Wright has four degrees. That makes it harder for me to excuse his rants. Wright has the benefit of higher education that many of his congregants do not have. Thus they, in accepting his superiority, also accept his teachings. Those teachings are wrong, wrong, wrong.

I have a four year old very blond, blue-eyed granddaughter who goes to nursery school. If the children who attend Rev. Wright's Church should happen to attend the same school, how do they feel about my granddaughter; moreover how do they treat my granddaughter? He is robbing the children in his parish of their innocence and their natural inclination to love others. He is abominable.

The audacity of more lies. It is not about race but it is about his lies. It's not about the preacher or the church. It's about his lies. Rezko? More lies. His campaign is a fraud and he is a hypocrit.

I am convinced from these responses to Obama's speech that the lines have already been drawn, and that opinions will simply harden in response to it -- Obama supporters will like the speech, Clinton and McCain supporters will not.

For myself, I have been resisting comparisons between Obama and Bobby or John Kennedy, but this speech put him in their league. In my mind, I now think of Obama and RFK in the same breath. This was probably the most astonishing and inspiring speech I've ever read in my life - and I'm old enough to have heard RFK when I was in high school.

I started this season out thrilled that we had two exciting Democratic candidates, and I was certain that I would vote for whichever one won the nomination, but I have been so floored and insulted by Clinton's cynical, petty, self-centered, devisive and underhanded fight, and so impressed with Obama's response to it, that I could honestly never put a mark next to her name on a ballot. I'd vote for McCain with hopes for 2012 if she were to pull this nomination out from under Obama (which I don't think she can do).

So, as I said at the beginning of my post, I think the lines have already hardened. Clinton supporters admire the fighter in her, and are fighters themselves. They will not listen to this speech with any other goal than how to attack it. Obama supporters genuinely believe we can move the political discussion to a new and better level, and that this is the man that can help us do it, and the speech confirms that for us.

I think the speech was great. But words are cheap; actions count. Mr. Obama did not stand up in the face of hate. It doesn't require much to do so--it simply requires that we say no to evil and yes to good. If I can do that then anyone can. My mother survived the Holocaust and she taught me to stand up for what is right--that is not self-righteousness, that is being truly human in its best sense.

Mr. Obama cannot deny hearing and then acknowledge hearing these sermons and minimize his actions.

When wrong take the blame; let the chips fall where they may.

We seem to have a president who has a hard time admitting error; we don't, I feel, need another with those same qualities.

When I am wrong, tell me. If I don't stop...remove yourself from me until I get my act together. If you don't you simply enable my behavior.

A 12 stepper, I have learned these lessons the hard way, and yes I turn in those who hurt others--and yes I end friendships when those would bring me down--and yes I stand my ground. Holocaust survivors often state that in the camps, if you cried, you died.

I don't cry: I act and so do millions. And I expect anyone who will be president to do the same. That's all.

Words, just words.

Hanson says it well:
*************************
The message? Some of us are never quite responsible for what we say. And Obama has no responsibility to explain the inexplicable of how he closely tied himself to someone of such repugnant and racist views. We will never hear "It's time for Rev. Wright and me to part our separate ways, and here's why."

Instead, the entire Wright controversy evolved due to America's failure to understand the Wright's past and the present status of race. No doubt, the next time some public figure utters a racist comment -- and it will happen -- we will then expect to hear about context that explains and excuses such an apparent hurtful outburst.

Obama is right about one thing: We are losing yet another opportunity to talk honestly about race, to hold all Americans to the same standards of public ethics and morality, and to emphasize that no one gets a pass peddling vulgar racism, or enabling it by failing to disassociate himself from its source -- not Rev. Wright, not even the eloquent, but now vapid, Barack Obama.
***************************

Although he repudiates the words of his pastor, Obama seems to still speak of Rev. Wright with deference. Apparently, that is the character of their relationship. What was truly confusing was that he spoke so harshly of his grandmother while trying to save the pride of the racist, hate-mongering Jeremiah Wright. Time for a gut check, Obama.

Words matter. Deeds matter even more.

Posted by: svreader | March 18, 2008 06:34 PM

**************************
then I suppose your bowel movement of the day cured something, right?

Honestly, shut the f**k for one day already, you lying, homophobic hump.

obama was essentially insulting most if not most black pastors in usa. How many black pastors go around saying that the whites invented HIV to enslave the blacks? America has moved beyond the race position that Obama was sketching out to deal with the simple fact that he lied when first confronted with
Wrights statements. He denied he knew anything, and now he reduces the insults with the sleight of words tricks by using the word "controversial". Wrights words were way beyond controversial.
Ward Connerly is a black leader that really wants to do something about the race issue and does not give into the victim mentality. Obama does not even measure upto the integrity and honesty of a Ward Connerly. There are many many black leaders in USA who when they look at the pathetic justification of the victim's role that some black leaders may want to push, that they have been fighting all their lives will be appalled. Obamas words do more harm to race relations in the long run than they help.
Obama is no Martin Luther King. What a let down!!

His speech writer cannot rescue him, nor can his delivery. Do you think the American public would sit down and listen to this man lecture for an hour? The fact that he attend the hate speeches for 20 years speaks loudly about what this man is made of.

Obama will never win with those who are determined not to support him. He doesn't have to. Fair people will give him a fair hearing and won't go on guilt by association.

Posted by: Free_Ride2300 | March 18, 2008 04:10 PM

*****************************
God bless you for saying that! I agree - it was a great speech and articulated so much that I experienced and wish I had the ability to say about being an American. Those that are not moved by it - so be it. He has shown an insight and depth that few will be able to put down. He has shown why he is a viable candidate and why he should be the nominee of the Democratic party.

His instincts were true and the speech was pure. If this is'nt good enough, nothing will be.

Obama's response to Wright in his church was indeed a test in leadership, which Obama has failed in every sense. Having sat there for 20 years, did Obama, who aspires to become the leader of the free world, ever think to exercise some leadership in his own church and stop or curb these racist diatribes? We have all been called upon to act in our houses of worship to do what was right and, sometimes, fight what was wrong. Obama either skulked away from such a fight or, worse, didn't think what he was hearing, week after week, was wrong. he cannot claim to have any moral right, after abdicating his responsibility as a citizen, to the office of the Presidency of the United States.

It was a good speech. You can see that just by reading the comments. In comparison to his fellow politicians and past presidential candidates, it was absolutely amazing... whether you agree with him or not. But it was pretty clear no? If you had a problem with this speech, it's likely that your life is tougher than mine.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I have not had time to even hear the speech yet but no matter what he said I have to take a persons actions over their words. I have been an Obama supporter so far but I will be taking a very close look at this issue. I can't make a decision yet because I have so far only read second hand about the Reverends remarks but not heard them for myself and have been more pre-occupied with this weeks economic news so far.

Having said all that, my first instict is, I don't think the issue is going away soon for Obama. His decision to remain involved with the Church for so long looks either like a political calculation or just poor judgement. Either way looks bad for a Presidential candidate to have been in this congregation for 20 years which was led by someone of such a devisive character.

I saw the speech twice. This was a truly great speech of the caliber we've long grown accustomed to not hearing. Once again, Obama has taken a tough moment, explained it, and elevated the moment to one of universal national concern. It was a moving speech devoid of campaign platitudes, and Obama came off as something we have also not experienced in a long time: presidential. His words extend beyond words; they have powerful substance. This man has the potential of becoming a great president, and we need this in these times.

i am so glad that i have read all of these posts from so many enlightened bloggers. today, i am going to publicly repudiate my church. next, i will sever all ties from my siblings because of their belief that because i have married outside of my religion, i will never make it into the kingdom of heaven nor will i be united with my husband for all eternity, and if my children are not baptized into the church, well same goes for them. oddly enough my husband has more decency and integrity than the whole lot of them but is not deserving of everlasting life because he does not share my religion. i have not abandoned my church although i strongly disagree with them on these issues, because of the good things that they teach re: family values, personal responsibility, taking care of the less fortunate, and living a clean life. six of one, half a dozen of the other..... i am guessing that to satisfy many of todays posters i should stand up in the center aisle during sunday services and publicly chastise my minister/bishop/pastor. otherwise i am a closet hypocrite. to all the holier than thou, thanks for enlightening me.

felicitymason said: "How many Catholics approve of the sexual abuse of young boys by priests? Nobody! But we go to Church anyway."

This is off-topic, but I want to respond to felicitymason. I am a Catholic who DID leave a church because of the actions of the priest; specifically, because he continues to support illegal immigration.

I explained my opposition to using the church's resources to sponsor illegal activity. He stood his ground, and I stood mine and found another church. Fortunately, our Archdiocese does not leave priests in place for more than four or five years, so I will likely be here after he's gone.

I am currently in Europe and this speech made a huge hit here.

Too bad there will always be nay sayers with their "gotcha!" outlook.

In the end though, Obama will win the presidency.

lndlouis said...
"He threw is grandmother under the bus while keeping Reverend Wright close to his heart signaling to me he espouses Wrights views"

"I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe."

I wouldn't call that "throwing his grandmother under the bus." Obama recognizes that none of us is perfect, that our nation is not perfect. We still have a lot of work to do...as individuals and as a nation. Right? Or are you one of those holier-than-thou right-wingers?

An ordained Catholic minister-I have also been a teacher on both the high school and college levels for 35 years. In my years, I have come across abusive priests and each time, I have turned them in. I will not Obama this. Some of us in holy orders stand up for what we believe. I tell my second graders that if you go to confession and a priest is verbally abusive, tell him so and walk out. Mr. Obama does not accept responsibility for his actions: he sat there and listened; he was a collaborationist. My father was Catholic and I am by choice. My mother was Jewish and she taught me long ago about the dangers of charismatic speechmakers--they mesmerize even the most educated. Obama is no Hitler, but perhaps neither is he what he pretends to be. If a Catholic priest of deacon preached such hate, they would be stripped of faculties in 5 minutes. The mainline denominations have accountability in such matters--not so the freelancers.

Mr. Obama displays poor judgment and is not qualified to be president. I would tell him that to his face.

Rev. Mr. Ron Bodin

As a British Citizen (European background), Obama exemplifies the idealism of America that Europeans once loved and admired about America. After the Reagan era that destroyed that relationship, and the Clintons and Bush Clans, who made it worse overall; it would be nice to believe that there is some hope for America to once again be admired. Once again Obama proving Hillary wrong when it's obvious that WORDS MATTER. Perhaps since she is so awful at communicating without seeming like a mean spirited callous ego she is just bitter that his words inspire when all she can do is divide? McCain or Obama would be an improvement on the poisonous minds of Bush or Clinton and the harm they do to America and the world.

Excellent column and well reported...As to some of the posts here, I am not surprised to find that many had the same reaction as I: a powerful, gutsy speech that opens the door for greater discussion but puts the Pastor Wright incendiary language to rest. Yet, there are posts that are a waste of time and effort....that's why I usually don't even bother because of the time it takes to read such drivel. But I wanted to let Dan Balz know I appreciated his efforts.

Senator Obama delivered a very good speech about a very sensitive topic in this country.

To All Catholics: How many of you are pro-choice and practice birth control even though the Catholic Church prohibits this. I do!

How many Catholics approve of the sexual abuse of young boys by priests? Nobody! But we go to Church anyway.

Senator Obama's public rebuke of his pastor is good enough. There is no need for him to terminate his private friendship with his pastor. He distanced himself politically from his pastor. This is good enough for me.

I think that his speech probably did not help him with a key constituency he will need in the coming weeks, the Reagan Democrats. From what I've heard from folks in that demographic, the "GD America" rhetoric of Obama's pastor is something that just sticks in their craw. He acknowledged that they probably didn't like black folks taking their jobs, but he has never talked about how to solve that distrust. Is he for or against quotas? He didn't say. He explained black anger, but again didn't say how to solve that except to "elect me". And yes, he could have quit his church when he heard that kind of hate speech. If my pastor got up and started spewing that kind of hate, I'd be gone in a second. Let's put the shoe on the other foot for a minute. What if David Duke decided to start preaching and took up residence at John McCain's Church. What would anyone think of John McCain, if he stayed a member of such a church that preached that type of racial hatred. Would Obama understand the hatred and explain away the hatred that created the KKK? These things happened over a century ago. The way you get past it, is to call hate, hate and don't wait on saying it, until you're running for President.

The speech was outstanding. If only Americans could lift the blinders off their eyes and see this moment as a time for us to move forward. But I know there are entities in the media who would never let this go, they see this as a way to destroy Obama. We can only hope Americans will give the man the benefit of doubt. As they say only time will tell. God bless America and her citizens. Today was a great day.

Well, this is exactly the sort of performance I was hoping for from Obama, and addressing the issues I think a lot of us were thinking of silently in supporting him. I think he will reclaim and advance America's standing in the world, and possibly begin real healing of age-old domestic wounds. Let's hope we have the maturity and wisdom to elect him.

rrbb2003 said
"An ordained Catholic minister, I denounce the speech and would call for the preacher's loss of preaching faculties."

First of all: I never heard a Catholic priest call himself a minister.
Secondly: Catholic priests and bishops have no authority over a UCC church. (Thank God!)
Third: The Catholic clergy has much more serious problems of their own that they continue to shove under the rug.

Test of Leadership, Indeed! How can Obama represent himself to be a leader when he admits that he attended the church, heard Rev. Wright's rants that he considered to be wrong and divisive, but TOOK NO ACTION to correct the wrong? Those are not the actions of a leader; they are the actions of one who goes along to get along.

Where would we be if Martin Luther King failed to speak up? Or Rosa Parks? They took action and took the heat for it, but they made a difference.

Obama is charismatic, sophisticated, handsome, intelligent, and probably the most naturally gifted orator of his time, but he has exhibited no leadership qualities that make him suited to be president. Perhaps he will grow into a role of leadership, but he is not ripe in that regard yet.

rrbb2003 said
"An ordained Catholic minister, I denounce the speech and would call for the preacher's loss of preaching faculties."

First of all: I never heard a Catholic pries call himself a minister.
Secondly: Catholic priests and bishops have no authority over a UCC church. (Thank God!)
Third: The Catholic clergy has much more serious problems of their own that they continue to shove under the rug.

Not a very impressive speech when you consider it was made to save a campaign and a career and not heal and unite.

He threw is grandmother under the bus while keeping Reverend Wright close to his heart signaling to me he espouses Wrights views.

He did not think what this would do to the democrats in the general election, he thinks only of himself. He should have taken care of this along time ago but was too arrogant and impressed with himself to think it wouldn't matter because he is Barak Obama.

Now, we will lose the white house.

Words matter. Deeds matter even more.

Not a very impressive speech when you consider it was made to save a campaign and a career and not heal and unite.

He threw is grandmother under the bus while keeping Reverend

So much hate and vitriol against a man giving a speech many of you would never in your lives (a) dream of hearing from a politician or (b) want, or have the courage to, give yourself. Even admitting that your political affiliations will color your position on the content of the speech - some of you will never accept what Obama says, much as many will not believe Clinton no matter how many documents she puts out - merely giving this speech took political, as well as personal, courage that few have demonstrated. Can you see Bush or McCain speaking on such a touchy topic, ever? Rather than attempting to hide the subject in the shadows, Mr. Obama has done the country a service by bringing it up front. Even if you like other candidates more, isn't there a part of you that admires his prescience, poise, and courage in simply addressing this issue head on?

BARACK OBAMA IS PRESIDENTIAL! Period. Let's skip November. Let's swear him in now.
We can just offer George W. Bush early retirement and send him to Afghanistan, where he said he'd rather be anyway. That's right - Bush said he "envies" the "romantic" work the military is doing in Afghanistan.

Earlier today, Barry Obama so ruthless, its a new low even for him. ...

Posted by: svreader | March 18, 2008 05:59 PM
____________________________________________

Speaking of new lows, svliar, what's up with calling me gay (and for the record, no matter what my sexual persuasion, I wouldn't do you with Hillary Clinton's [redacted]? Just cause I pointed out that the book you say you have, doesn't exist (which is why you can't name the author or publisher). Not my fault you made up a book and tried to skate by on a lie. And do you think we don't know you're lying? Your lie won't go away, we can look it up anytime we want.

On another point, you cry about Obama's ethics all the time -- does your wife know you're trying to meet other WaPo posters?

I don't buy what he is selling. First he knew nothing about these sermons, now he does. Obama, by remaining in that church, is complicit in an act of hate. An ordained Catholic minister, I denounce the speech and would call for the preacher's loss of preaching faculties. Mr. Obama shows poor judgment and yes, words matter. Obama's and his preacher's speak volumes. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing and keep in mind the old addage: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Obama did not answer the question but instead turned the argument on us: we need introspection. With all respect, I am not running for the office of president--you are. And I want to know what are you views about races other than yours and why could you sit and listen to this hate for 20 years.

Moral cowardice is not needed in the Oval Office.

I don't buy what he is selling. First he knew nothing about these sermons, now he does. Obama, by remaining in that church, is complicit in an act of hate. An ordained Catholic minister, I denounce the speech and would call for the preacher's loss of preaching faculties. Mr. Obama shows poor judgment and yes, words matter. Obama's and his preacher's speak volumes. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing and keep in mind the old addage: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Obama did not answer the question but instead turned the argument on us: we need introspection. With all respect, I am not running for the office of president--you are. And I want to know what are you views about races other than yours and why could you sit and listen to this hate for 20 years.

Moral cowardice is not needed in the Oval Office.

I don't buy what he is selling. First he knew nothing about these sermons, now he does. Obama, by remaining in that church, is complicit in an act of hate. An ordained Catholic minister, I denounce the speech and would call for the preacher's loss of preaching faculties. Mr. Obama shows poor judgment and yes, words matter. Obama's and his preacher's speak volumes. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing and keep in mind the old addage: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Obama did not answer the question but instead turned the argument on us: we need introspection. With all respect, I am not running for the office of president--you are. And I want to know what are you views about races other than yours and why could you sit and listen to this hate for 20 years.

Moral cowardice is not needed in the Oval Office.

I am 70 years old and I have heard many many speeches in my lifetime,and this one was the best. If he can grasp all sides of the issue in our country, think what he can do internationally to help solve differences.

We watched history in the making. Honest. Powerful. Presidential.

There can be no Doubt that Obama and his wife are both Racist & American haters. After watching videos of their preacher I have lost all respect for Obama and anyone the attended that Church or still supports Obama. If any white had belonged or attended even one sermon of a church that spews that kind of hate they would be vilified by everyone, and rightly so. Michell was being honest when she said for the first time in her life she was proud of American. Because for all of her life she has hated American and most of its White Citizens! Obama belonged to that church for 20 years yet he does not share those views? That is beyond belief! How can he expect any one intelligence enough to vote, even a left wing loony to be that stupid? We have to get away from this double standard where it is ok for blacks to do things way over the line esp. ones that would be be President! It is very scary to think that someone that supported that preacher and went to that hate filled church for 20 years may be President! After watching those videos I can very easy see where Obama may well be a Muslin with a secret agenda for this Nation when elected! One thing for sure it is hard to see how anyone that listen to the venom spewed out from that so called preacher for 20 years can be a Christen! If Obama gets elected after this he will have did a better con job on the American public than any President in History even better than the Moron in the WH now.

I think Obama's speech was excellent; he clearly demonstrated courage and intelligence and whether Americans agree with him or not I would hope that all will respect him for making this difficult speech under extreme pressure.

Now, my next comments are probably totally unrealistic; however, I will provide them anyway.

If I was advising Sen. Clinton I would suggest that she also break out of the mold and congratulate Sen. Obama on the speech.

The same for McCain; what a great moment in our history, in the full heat of this campaign, for all three major candidates (hey, even Nader too) to commend Sen. Obama for making a speech that all of us as Americans needed to hear.

Thank you Sen. Obama for making such a powerful speech and for sharing so much of yourself today....and if it be that this speech hurts you politically then let us acknowledge that at least you will not put political expediency above what is best for our nation!

Bill Edwards

I think Obama's speech was excellent; he clearly demonstrated courage and intelligence and whether Americans agree with him or not I would hope that all will respect him for making this difficult speech under extreme pressure.

Now, my next comments are probably totally unrealistic; however, I will provide them anyway.

If I was advising Sen. Clinton I would suggest that she also break out of the mold and congratulate Sen. Obama on the speech.

The same for McCain; what a great moment in our history, in the full heat of this campaign, for all three major candidates (hey, even Nader too) to commend Sen. Obama for making a speech that all of us as Americans needed to hear.

Thank you Sen. Obama for making such a powerful speech and for sharing so much of yourself today....and if it be that this speech hurts you politically then let us acknowledge that at least you will not put political expediency above what is best for our nation!

Bill Edwards

Blacks need to start taking some personal responsibility for high rate of high school drop out, sexual promiscuity, children born out of wedlock, , absence of male parenting/role models, drugs, crime, incarceration, AIDS, and lack of personal responsibility instead of playing the victim hood game and blaming everyone else for their plight! Until that time there will always be hate mongers & race baiter,s to use them and profit from their plight like the Rev. Wright, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, E. Robinson as well as 10,s of thousands of White and Black Politicians. In fact the whole Democrat party! Hands outs, instead of a hand up, is the means of keeping Blacks down and economic Slaves! Keeping Blacks as an race of victims instead of a race of achievers is in the best interest of Black preachers and Democrat politicians! Blacks will never be lead to the promise land by hate mongering Preachers like Rev. Wright or by bottom feeding Politician that wants and works to keep Blacks in the Ghetto on Welfare, and voting Democrat!

Barack Hussein, born into a Mixed Race Cosmopolitan environment, met an America Hating Racist, who then introduced Barack to a Black Church, out to Promote Blacks, Fixate on Blacks, and generally only worry about and deal with Blacks.

ALL, so he can try to become President and Represent ALL the People.

LMFAO! :-D

Riiiight! He is not a RACIST!

Just EVERYONE ELSE in the Black Church's community! ;~)

Obama is an American hating Black racist!

What a man he keep his Race baiting, American hating Crazy preacher but threw poor old White Grandmother under the Bus. The man has no Honor, No Pride, and no Shame!

There are so many comments, I can' read them all. The gist seems to be that Obama salvaged his candidacy by speaking candidly about issues most people don't want to deal with publicly. The Democrats can only win if they are united and this campaign has been divisive because winning means so much to both women and blacks. If the two groups can't unite, they are crowning McCain and many will be happy about that. Obama hs a grreat future, but maybe not right now. Time will tell.

It is typical of What Obama is, when confronted with a serious issue he gives a speech and the media buys it. When confronted with trouble, he tries to wiggle out of it by talking big. How many more skeletons this man has in the cupboard.
If we look at the pattern and read together, What his wife said recently " For the first time I am proud of America, What she said in her Graduate work, what his pastor has been saying, you can really see the problem. This man is not what he says. He will say nything to win election. However, the sad news is Republicans wont let him. Ultimately democrats will be the loser

More and more Obama sounds like the only grownup in the campaign. He doesn't shy away from addressing sensitive issues or spend time "spinning" them. He promised to be straight with the American people and he is certainly doing so. He has my vote and my respect. Imagine - the opportunity to have a President we can respect!

His speech does not change a thing. It is about judgement, experience....he doesn't have it.

Earlier today, Barry Obama so ruthless, its a new low even for him.

Barry threw his own Grandmother "under the bus" in an attempt to save his faltering candidicy.

Barry Obama's campaign is fueled by vague generalities, vacuous promises of "change", and lots of hot air.

Its like a giant "hot air balloon"

Barry doesn't view principles, ethics, family, friends, or supporters the way other candidates do.

He views them as simply five different kinds of "ballast"

Nobody who supports him shouldn't be surprised when he throws them, or their issues, out of his balloon.

Barry has never viewed any principle, any issue, any other person, or group of human beings, as anything more than important, or sacred, than simply means to an end.

In this case, any means necessary, and the goal is getting elected President.

That's the real Barry Obama.

Gee, I never realized what a kindly man Rev. Wright is. Now that the families see what a great guy he is, they will be willing to take full responsibility for the death of their loved ones. After all, they were asking for it. My goodnees, I didn't realize that all Afro-American of Rev. Wrights generation were bigots, AND RIGHTLY SO. I know I'm going to start singing GOD DAMN AMERICA! It was so touching to hear that the memers of Senator Obama's church defended and agreed with Rev. Wright and cast the blame squarely where it belongs, WITH THE RICH WHITE MEDIA, who's sole purpose is to defame Obama and his church. Never mind that CNN and MSNBC has been "in the tank for Obama" And Golly Gee, let me be the first white male to apologuise for that aids thing, what were we thinking?

I listened to Mr. Obama's speech today to learn about his character and his judgment. I noticed that, in his initial response to interviews about Rev. Wright, Mr. Obama said he wasn't in the pew personally to hear those reported hate filled comments on our country and outright lies (white invented AIDS to infect blacks). But today he said he had been there and knew about them. He lied initially, or parsed it at best. Today he compared Rev Wright to his white grandmother. However, Rev Wright was an affiliation by choice, unlike his grandmother. All of us, as adults, are responsible for choosing our value systems, and acting on them. As whites, we must refuse to support or endorse, through words and actions, the older generation's hate filled speech and bigotry, in order to change the world. But Mr. Obama, by choosing to become and remain a member for 20 plus years a member of Rev Wright's church, h